The banking public is urged to exercise caution amid the holiday rush as authorities and financial institutions report a surge in SMS hijacking scams. Fraudsters are impersonating legitimate organizations, including banks like BDO, to deceive recipients into believing their messages are authentic.
Reports from law enforcement agencies reveal that illegal cellular sites, known as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, are being used to mimic sender IDs of trusted brands, making scam texts appear credible.
These fraudulent messages often lure recipients with claims of prizes, free gifts, or alleged issues with their accounts. Victims are typically directed to click on links included in the messages, which lead to fake websites designed to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and One-Time PINs (OTPs). Once the scammers obtain these details, they use them to access bank accounts and steal funds.
BDO reminded clients that it does not send messages containing clickable links. The bank shared the following safety tips to avoid falling victim to SMS hijacking scams:
📍 Do not click on links in messages.** Any message containing a link is likely fraudulent.
📍 Do not share personal information via SMS.**
📍 Be wary of unsolicited messages.** Offers that seem too good to be true often are.
Clients are also encouraged to report suspicious messages by forwarding them to 22567888.
BDO emphasized that vigilance is key to preventing fraud, especially during the busy holiday season.
