Vishing scams, or voice phishing scams, are becoming increasingly common as scammers find new ways to target unsuspecting individuals. Vishing scams occur when a scammer poses as a legitimate entity, such as a bank or government agency, and uses the phone to trick individuals into providing personal or financial information.
Metrobank, one of the leading banks in the Philippines, is taking steps to educate its customers on how to combat vishing scams. They have provided a list of tips to help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to these types of scams.
1. Be wary of unsolicited calls: One of the most common tactics used by vishing scammers is to make unsolicited calls to individuals. Be cautious of any calls you receive from unknown numbers, especially if they claim to be from a bank or other financial institution. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call the bank directly using a number you trust.
2. Do not provide personal or financial information over the phone: Legitimate banks and financial institutions will never ask for your personal or financial information over the phone. If a caller requests this information, do not provide it. Instead, hang up and call the bank directly to verify the legitimacy of the call.
3. Beware of urgent or threatening language: Vishing scammers often use urgent or threatening language to pressure individuals into providing information. If a caller claims that your account is in danger of being closed or that you will face legal consequences if you do not provide information, be wary. Legitimate institutions do not typically use this type of language.
4. Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a bank or financial institution, ask for their name, title, and the purpose of the call. You can then hang up and call the bank directly to verify the caller’s identity.
5. Report any suspicious calls: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the bank immediately. This can help them track down the scammers and prevent others from falling victim to their tactics.
By following these tips from Metrobank, you can protect yourself from falling victim to vishing scams. Remember to always be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls and never provide personal or financial information over the phone. Stay vigilant and keep yourself informed about the latest scams to ensure your financial security.
