THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has warned anew supervised financial institutions in Negros Occidental, particularly rural banks, to be extra cautious against scammers and swindlers especially during this holiday season.
BSP-Bacolod Branch Deputy Director Job Nepomuceno told Sun.Star Bacolod they have already issued an advisory to prevent local financial institutions and other potential targets from being victims of scams.
Nepomuceno said these scams are perpetrated through communication, certification, or other kinds of false representation that are made to appear as officially issued by BSP or any of its officials.
“Their modus includes impersonating Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr. or any of our officials in soliciting donations and contributions for specific events,” he said, adding that these scammers strike anytime especially during December when money circulation is strong.
It is not the practice of BSP, and none of its officials are allowed to solicit donations, monetary or otherwise, Nepomuceno stressed.
Since the issuance of the advisory this month, BSP-Bacolod Branch has not yet received any report of such incident in the province.
BSP, however, said the public should not be complacent because “they (scammers) might also have their timing.”
In victimizing financial institutions, scammers or swindlers may copy or imitate the BSP seal. Fake documents also include forged and digitally copied signatures of officials, Nepomuceno said.
He added that banks are advised to ask for assistance from BSP-Bacolod Branch if they are not sure of the authenticity of the documents alleged to be from the BSP.
“We have to be proactive. We should be alert all the time, not only during Christmas,” Nepomuceno said.
Moreover, aside from solicitation through emails and written letters, the public may also be victims of scams through text.
Nepomuceno said that last week, one of their staff received a text message that she won a cash prize through the BSP’s supposed promo.
“We don’t have programs like raffle or any contest that is being announced through text message thus, the public are warned to ignore this,” he added.