Don’t be fooled by callers who know your name!
Vishing scammers use your basic information to pretend they are legitimate callers, such as bank representatives or government officials, to steal your personal and financial details. By pressuring you to "verify" your identity, they trick you into providing the keys to your account.
What is vishing?
Vishing (voice phishing) is a type of phone scam where fraudsters impersonate trusted organizations—such as banks, government offices, or telcos—to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
How vishing scams work
Scammers use psychological tactics to lower your guard, such as:
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Creating urgency and fear
They may claim your account will be blocked, a transaction needs urgent action, or a legal issue requires immediate attention if you do not respond right away. - Pretending to be someone you trust
They may pose as bank employees, tech support agents, government officials, or even law enforcement officers to gain your confidence. - Using technical terms
They may use professional-sounding language to confuse you into following their instructions without questioning them.
New vishing modus to watch out for
Scammers are constantly updating their scripts. Be wary if you receive a call regarding:
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eGov (SSS/PhilSys) updates
Callers posing as government agents claim there is a problem with your Social Security System (SSS) contribution or Philippine Identification System (PhilSys ID) that requires "immediate verification." They may also pressure you to download a fake eGov app through a link they send. -
Increase in credit limit
A caller posing as a bank officer may offer to increase your credit limit and ask for your card details or OTP to process the request. -
Airline promo scams
Scammers may claim you have won a free flight or exclusive discount, then ask for a processing fee or your login credentials to claim it. -
Fake fraud calls
A scammer may pretend to be from the bank’s Fraud Department, claiming your account has been compromised. They may ask you to move your money to a “safe” account or provide an OTP to stop a fake transaction. -
PNP scam
Callers posing as Philippine National Police (PNP) officers may claim you are involved in a legal case or traffic violation and demand immediate payment via bank transfer.
How to protect yourself: The golden rules
Stay one step ahead of fraudsters by following these critical safety tips:
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NEVER share your OTP via keypad or voice: Real bank representatives will never ask you to type your One-Time Password (OTP) into your phone's keypad during a call or read it aloud. If they ask for an OTP, hang up immediately.
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Say NO to screen sharing: Scammers use these to see your screen, watch you type passwords, and steal your banking information in real-time.
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Don't download apps via links: Only download official banking apps from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Never click a link sent via SMS or Email to "update" your app.
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Verify through authorized channels: If a caller claims there is an issue with your account, hang up. Call the bank’s official hotline or use the official mobile app to check your transaction history yourself.
Remember: Legitimate organizations will never pressure you to share private information over the phone. Stay alert and informed to protect your financial details from fraud.
