Have you ever received an email alert alarming you that your Metrobank Online Banking or Mobile Banking account will be deactivated soon? An email claiming that you must take action by clicking a link in the message or pressing a button for a verification? THINK TWICE before you click. It could be a SPAM ALERT or PHISHING EMAIL you received sent by a fake Metrobank email address.
Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Typically carried out by email spoofing or instant messaging, it often directs users to enter personal information on a fake website which matches the look and feel of the legitimate site.
Latest Metrobank Phishing Email/Scam Alert (Jan 2021)
Take a look at these sample emails from fake Metrobank Email addresses. These are usually sent to your Spam Mail but can be received even in your Inbox. Let’s find out which ones are from a fake Metrobank email and which ones were actually sent from Metrobank’s official email address.
You can check the email address of the sender to verify if it is really from Metrobank. View the sample fake email address below.
This fake email address has a long name and sent to a different email address and not specifically sent to the registered email address. Official Metrobank email addresses are in this format ([email protected]).
This message is also not from Metrobank as you will notice that the email address is not in the official Metrobank email format ([email protected]).
Do not panic if you have received any of these messages. For this email address, in the first glance, its look like sent by Metrobank, but notice that there is no .ph at the end. The official Metrobank email addresses are in this format ([email protected]) which has .ph at the end.
Just be cautious and ignore this kind of email. Always check the sender’s email address and take note that the official Metrobank email addresses are in this format ([email protected]).
In the body of the email, it will always advise you to click a link or button to update your online banking account. NEVER click the link or button. Ignore this message and delete the email as soon as possible or forward this email to [email protected].
Metrobank official communications are made through Metrobank official email addresses, which is in this format [email protected], where xxxx is either the name of the unit or the name of the bank personnel sending the email. Metrobank will not send advisory or announcements through public email addresses such as Yahoo, Hotmail, G-mail and etc.
TIPS from Metrobank: How to defend yourself from fraudsters
Knowing is the first step to defending yourself from fraud. Here are some measures you can take to help prevent becoming a victim of fraud:
Never give away your personal and account-related information to anyone, including your OTP, PIN, or CVV (the three-digit number found at back of the card). We will never ask you to provide such information over the phone, an SMS, or an e-mail.
Monitor your account for unusual transactions. Use the Metrobank Mobile App to track transactions. Also, make sure your mobile number is registered so you can be notified of every transaction you make under your account.
Be careful or avoid interacting with suspicious websites or ads that will ask for your personal information. Also make sure that the website is secure by looking at the URL that shows “https://” at the address on your browser.
Install and update your computer and mobile device’s anti-virus, ad-blocking, and anti-spyware software.
Be careful about any job offers where a supposed employer will ask for use of your personal account to process or transfer funds. Never allow anyone to use your bank account to transfer money.
Never entertain calls from individuals offering you a SIM upgrade. Immediately get in touch with your mobile service provider when your phone suddenly loses signal or stops working.
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud, call us immediately and report the fraud incident to (02)88-700-700 or 1-800-1888-5775. You can also email us at [email protected] using “Report on Possible Fraud” as Subject Line.
REMINDERS from BSP :5 simple ways to fight fraud before it happens
You would think you won’t be a victim to fraud until it happens, which is why your common reaction is, “I didn’t expect that.” This blissful ignorance is what fraudsters are looking for in victims.
But you don’t have to become a victim if you’re mindful of these tips to protect yourself from fraud.
Keep username and password to yourself. Giving away your username and password, even to family members or trusted friend, opens you up to possible attacks as they could misplace your access details of your email, social media, and even bank accounts. Never share online access details.
Know to who you are giving personal information. You feel that it’s okay to give away personal information, such as home address, email address, or mobile number, whenever you are using a new online service or mobile app. However, these information could be used in nefarious schemes without your knowledge. Look for and read the terms and conditions and privacy policy of online services or mobile apps that you are using.
Be wary of get-rich-quick schemes. It is easy to be captivated by advertising that says, “Earn US$100,000 from Home” while browsing the web or your social media network. Clicking these would lead to websites that would ask for your personal information. These too-good-to-be-true offers could be fraudulent schemes tricking you to giving away your personal information. Don’t be baited.
Log out of networks. Most of us would forget or outright disregard logging out of our email, social media, or web browser accounts. Even when using your personal computer or mobile device, someone could access your account and do mean things with it. Always log out and always have a password or a passcode on your device.
Share your knowledge about fraud prevention. Preventing fraud is an organized and concerted activity and is the responsibility of everyone. You can help others from becoming victims of fraud through proactive activities. You can start with sharing this article to friends.
Sources: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
CONTACT: Report any incident of cybercrime to your bank immediately. Do not hesitate to call your branch and inform them of the type of incident.
Metrobank Contact Center
Metro Manila: (02) 88-700-700 Domestic Toll Free: 1-800-1888-5775 Email: [email protected]
Corporate Customer Care
Metro Manila: (02) 8898-8000 (press 2, then 2) Domestic Toll Free: 1-800-10-857-9727 Email: [email protected]
Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, 1200 Philippines