#bpi scam

This is kinda embarrassing but whatever. I just want to share to make sure that no one will experience the same thing. Or will not stupid like me. Hahaha

While waiting for our order, someone called me. An unknown mobile number. Since I was waiting for a call from the bank, I answered it.

The guy told me that he’s calling from BPI. He told me that he’s calling to inform that my credit card will be replaced with a Platinum Card and will be ready for pick up on Monday at TGU IT Park Branch.

But to verify and transfer all my transactions, he asked me to complete my credit card number. Which I did. He then asked me for my customer number. Which I gave. And he verified for my birthdate.

Then he told me that my rewards will be converted to cash and will be deposited into my registered savings account. Which by the way, he knew the account number.

Then he asked for my BPI Online Login Password. This time, I felt like I was hesitant but at the same time, was like hypnotized and still told him. The first one was wrong coz I really can’t remember it since I don’t login by inputting my credentials.

Then he said it’s not correct. So I mentioned another arrangement. And it went it. Then he told me that a code will be sent to me because they need it to transfer the amount to my savings account.

Thanks God that I woke up from that trap and asked him why I will give him a code for resetting my password. Since the message said that it’s for resetting my password. He said that it’s not. But I said that it is what it’s asking.

And I told him that I will be going directly to the branch and verify everything. He hung up without saying goodbye.

By the way, this is his number +639613141612!

Good thing no transactions were done. Good thing my savings don’t have anything on it. Hahaha

I thought of going to the branch but it will surely take time and I needed to be somewhere. So I just called BPI’s hotline and also left a message at their Twitter account.

Thanks God someone picked up on the first call.

I told her everything and she said that it was a scam. Because they don’t ask for details like customer number and most especially, BPI Online Login Username and OTP Code.

So she deactivated my credit card. And transferred me to their online banking in-charge. My online banking account was deactivated as well. Everything!

It was kinda a hassle. But it’s better that way.

Also, they also responded at their Twitter account. They asked for the contact number of the one who called me, the date & time of the call. The same data I told the agent on their hotline.

They already created a report about it.

So here’s the takeaway.

Never ever give your customer number, account number, login credentials and most especially, OTP to anyone calling. Whether you know it’s from BPI or not.

This is the link to verify their accredited Telesales provider.

https://l.bpi.com.ph/3DHpv2p

Never ever trust anyone.

I think I’m building up another trauma. And it’s really disappointing.

What I don’t understand though is how did these scammers get all my details (account number, mobile number, birthdate, etc.) when I only provided it to the banks?

How much are we really protected by the Data Privacy and Confidentiality Protection Law?

Can these financial institutions instead create a code or something that will tell their clients that the number who’s calling is legit?

And it’s crazy how these scammers can still live without being eaten by their conscience? Stealing money from the hardwork of other people.

I don’t think the SIM Registration is working. If these scammers are still not being caught and punished.

So yeah! Be aware! Beware! Still it’s not a safe place anywhere even online or virtual. Bad people are scattered and still spreading negativity and damages.