COTABATO CITY (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is promoting digital financial literacy to help guide financial consumers against various financial scams.
Zarinah Aligsao, acting BSP-Cotabato Branch director, told financial consumers to manage their digital footprint, including personal data, browsing history, and cellphone numbers.
“Sa amin sa BSP, isa sa mga gusto naming ipalawig ay ang digital financial literacy. Ang pinakakonsepto nito ay dapat nating ma-properly manage ang ating digital footprint,” she said.
(One of the things we want to promote is digital financial literacy. The main concept of this is that we should properly manage our digital footprint.)
To avoid falling victim to online scammers, she then advised financial consumers to refrain from sharing personal documents like bank accounts, credit cards, and boarding passes online.
“Double check your devices, make sure hindi kayo nagda-download ng mga illegal app. Verify kung saan kayo nagdownload, even ‘yong mga katransaction ninyo online kailangan i-verify,” she emphasized.
(Double-check your devices; make sure you are not downloading illegal apps. Verify where you downloaded; even your online transactions need to be verified.)
The BSP urged the public to be vigilant for “red flags” that can aid in identifying potential scams.
“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility hindi lang ng (not just of) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas but also of the consumers. On the side ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, meron tayong mga (we have the) financial consumer protection act, meron tayong mga (we have the) media information session to learn more about how to protect yourself online,” Aligsao pointed out.
Alesa Krista Valensoy-Enriquez, a financial consumer and employee from the city, emphasized the importance of securing online activities to prevent scams.
“Sa panahon ngayon na digital na rin ang pang-e-eskam, dapat ay maging updated na rin tayo, maging aware kung ano ‘yong mga latest trends upang maiwasan natin na ma-eskam. Pwede nating i-check o i-monitor kung ano man ‘yong pwedeng mga tips kagaya na lamang ng ibinibigay sa ating ng BSP,” she said.
(Staying updated on scam trends in the digital age is crucial to avoid falling victim to them. Check out tips provided by the BSP for guidance.)
Meanwhile, the BSP encourages the public to observe cybersecurity hygiene practices to help them protect their devices, networks, data, and systems from cyberattacks. (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)
