BSP strengthens anti-scam advocacy through media, information officers

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) convened media practitioners and government information officers in Albay to bolster public awareness and advocacy against financial fraud and scams.

BSP South Luzon Regional Office Director Tomas Cariño Jr. emphasized that media practitioners and information officers play a crucial role in protecting the public from fraudulent schemes by providing timely and accurate information.

“This initiative is to inform our media partners and information officers that they are essential in disseminating information and advocacy campaigns to the public,” Cariño said during the media information session.

During the event, Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office Deputy Director Paul Khristan Baylon outlined common types of financial scams, including job scams, loan scams, phishing, investment fraud, and romance scams.

Baylon encouraged participants to remember the acronym “A.L.E.R.T.” when dealing with potential scam incidents: Avoid further contact with suspected scammers; Lock accounts and devices; gather Evidence; Report to financial institutions; and Tell the appropriate authorities.

He reminded the public not to share sensitive information such as PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs), and passwords. Additionally, he advised them to stop any suspicious online interactions immediately, including clicking on unknown links or scanning unfamiliar QR codes.

Among the participants was Atty. Aurea Bo. Bunao, the Albay provincial election supervisor and president of the Albay Communicators Network, who stressed the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting.

“It’s essential that we do not become victims of scams, and if we do, we should know how to respond and report to the authorities immediately,” Bunao said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)