Astute bank account holder warns of ‘vishing’ scams

After almost falling prey to scammers claiming to be officials of a local bank, an astute account holder warned the public of vishing or voice phishing scams.

According to Throy Santos, he was called by individuals declaring to be part of a bank and offering a new automated teller machine (ATM) card with new security features.

“Alam nila ‘yung bank account ko, even ‘yung mga question na personal data, personal information, at saka ‘yung mismong name ko. So inexpect ko na galing talaga sa bank mismo ‘yun. So nagtiwala naman ako,” he said Vonne Aquino's report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(They knew my bank account, even questions on personal data, personal information, and even my name. So I trusted them as I expected that they were part of the bank.)

Santos, who posted a recording of the phone call online, said the scammers claimed that he would receive 5,000 points for the use of the ATM card, but that he would first have to enroll online.

He then received an email saying that his online bank account was locked after failing to log in three times.

Santos then grew wary after the scammers were asking for the one-time password (OTP) to open the account, which he refused to disclose. He then checked his account and found that his funds were untouched.

“‘Wag po tayong magbibigay ng mga ganong information, specially ‘yung sa personal account na kasi ang bilin din sa bangko, ‘wag ibibigay kahit sa mga bank official,” he said.

(Do not give out sensitive information, especially involving personal accounts as advised by banks. Do not even disclose such details to bank officials.)

For his part, Tech Editor Art Samaniego urged the public to only deal with bank officials through their official channels.

“Ang layunin niyan, para kumuha ng personal details mo para lokohin ka at manakaw ang pera mo sa bangko o sa digital wallet mo,” he said in the same report.

“‘Pag nakatanggap ka ng tawag at nagsasabing galing sa bangko mo, tawagan mo ang telepono at tawagan mo ‘yung bangko mo gamit ang official number nila na makikita sa mga websites,” he added.

(The aim is to collect personal details, to deceive you, and steal your funds from your bank or your digital wallet.

If you receive a call from an individual claiming to be part of a bank, drop the call and call them yourself through their numbers posted on the bank’s official website.)

— Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News