2018 November - People who were born in the ‘40s and ‘50s grew up at a time without Google or Facebook.

They stayed informed by reading the newspapers or listening to the radio, and kept in touch with each other by meeting up, writing letters, and talking over the phone.

The Digital Revolution saw the rise of the internet and social media. Going online allows them to access realtime information and communicate with loved ones anytime, anywhere. Going online also allows other conveniences such as shopping, booking a ride, and even banking.

Online banking enables people to monitor their savings account, transfer funds, and pay bills with the mere touch of a finger. But as with everything, it entails some risks—falling victim to phishing is one. Phishing is the act of tricking people into giving confidential information to fraudsters who use this to steal money from them. Confidential information includes passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information.

While everyone is a target, regardless of age or background, the elderlies like parents and grandparents, many of whom are not savvy about the worldwide web, are most vulnerable to fraud and can be taken advantage of.

Digital natives, who grew up surfing the internet and using social media, have the responsibility to guide and protect the elderlies from fraudsters especially when they do online banking.

Here are some reminders to digital natives:

1. Safeguard the computer their elders use. Ensure that a robust and up-to-date anti-malware is installed, and its operating system and web browsers are updated.
2. Much like the way elders taught the youth about the ways of the world back in the day, this time digital natives should teach their elders about the ways of the internet world: how to navigate around it, the difference between safe and unsafe websites, what they can and shouldn’t click on, etc.
3. Remind elders that a secure website’s address starts with “https” (where “s” stands for “secure”) and shows a padlock icon on the browser.
4. Educate them about online risks, such as phishing and other fraudulent techniques. Remind them that banks will never ask for their password or confidential information. If ever they receive a call, email, or text message from someone claiming to be a bank representative asking for their confidential information, tell them to not reply or just hang up immediately.
5. Tell them not to click on links that lead to a bank’s website. These are usually included in emails, SMS messages, social media posts, and online ads. It’s always best to type the bank’s website address on the browser themselves.
6. Remind them to periodically check their bank accounts to be aware of any irregularities in their online transactions.

7. Teach them how to protect their confidential information. Here are some tips:

   • Assign long, strong, and unique passwords for their different online accounts (ex: email, bank account, and social media pages). Strong passwords have a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

   • Be cautious about the information they post online, especially on social media.

   • Understand how privacy settings work on social networks and websites.

As a trusted financial institution, BDO Unibank protects its clients from illegal activities by raising awareness and taking extra measures to address the impact of fraudulent activities. The country’s largest bank monitors the internet for phony messages and sites, and has put in place stricter authentication procedures.

BDO encourages clients to get in touch with them at ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph if they receive messages perceived as phishing attempts. Clients can log into their BDO Personal Online banking and immediately change their password if they think they may have responded to a suspicious email or feel that their account has been compromised.

They may also reach BDO Customer Contact Care:

Metro Manila: (632) 631-8000

International Toll-Free Numbers: IAC + 800-8-631-8000

Email: callcenter@bdo.com.ph

Facebook (Private Messenger): www.facebook.com/BDOUnibank

Elderlies like parents and grandparents, many of whom are not savvy about the worldwide web, are most vulnerable to fraud and can be taken advantage of.