Scam messages are getting harder to spot—and easier to fall for.
If you’re a bank customer who uses mobile apps, email, or text alerts, knowing the signs of a scam can protect you from losing money or personal data.
Learn how to spot red flags in messages, what steps to take if you’ve been targeted, and how to report fraud quickly and safely.
The tips here are backed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and partner agencies to help you stay alert and scam-free.
What Are the Signs of a Scam Message?
Here are the most common warning signs:
Spelling Errors
Fraudsters often make typos or use awkward language.
Suspicious Grammar
Poor sentence structure is a big giveaway.
Urgent Requests for Info
Banks will never ask you to verify your details via SMS or email.
Suspicious Links
Links that look shortened (like bit.ly or tinyurl) or misspelled? Don’t click.
Unfamiliar Sender
If you don’t recognize the number or sender, stay cautious.
What to Do if You Receive a Scam Message
Don’t respond to the message.
Don’t click on any links.
Take a screenshot for documentation.
Report the scam to your bank and the proper authorities.
How to Report Scams
If you bank with LANDBANK:
Call:
(02) 8-405-7000 or 1-800-10-405-7000 (PLDT toll-free)
Email:
reportphishing@landbank.com
To report cybercrime:
- DICT Cybercrime Center: cicc.gov.ph/report
- PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group: acg.pnp.gov.ph/contact-us
- BSP Consumer Help: bit.ly/BSPCAM
Who’s Behind This Campaign and Why It Matters
This alert is part of the cyber safety campaign led by:
- Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
- Digital Banks Association of the Philippines (DiBA)
Their goal is to educate and protect you from financial fraud.
Staying alert protects not just your money, but your identity, too.
Why This Matters to Banks and Consumers
This campaign strengthens digital trust.
For banks like LANDBANK, it’s about securing customer confidence.
For customers, especially those active online, it’s about staying safe and knowing where to get help.
Recent Updates
DICT Revamp Sparks Optimism for Cybersecurity and AI Integration
Recent changes in the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) are expected to bolster cybersecurity efforts, according to Dominic Ligot, founder of Data Ethics PH.
During a Philippine Press Institute presentation, Ligot emphasized the importance of addressing cyber threats and integrating artificial intelligence into election processes.
He highlighted the exit of DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy and the agency’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen digital defenses.
Ligot also urged media practitioners to balance narratives around AI and train on its applications to enhance efficiency and combat misinformation.
These developments signal a proactive approach to safeguarding the nation’s digital landscape. (ABS-CBN News)
Cybercrime Complaints Surge Amid Improved Reporting Channels
Cybercrime complaints rose by 71.9% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 3,251 cases, as reported by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
CICC Agent Marco S. Reyes attributed the increase to the widespread awareness of the 1326 complaint platform, which has made reporting more accessible.
The majority of complaints involved smishing and vishing, while perpetrators are increasingly shifting to private messaging platforms like Viber and WhatsApp.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with these platforms to better regulate scams and protect users.
The CICC continues to study cybercrime trends to understand the behavior of perpetrators and strengthen preventive measures. (Business World)
CICC Recognized as Global Leader in Anti-Scam Efforts
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), under the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), has been hailed as a global benchmark by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).
During the Global Anti-Scam Summit in London, GASA advisor Rajeshpal Singh Sandhu commended the CICC’s intelligence-driven approach to combating online scams and protecting digital citizens.
The CICC’s achievements include the establishment of the National Cybercrime Hub and the 1326 Anti-Scam Hotline, which processed over 10,000 reports in 2024.
These efforts have positioned the Philippines as a leader in the fight against cybercrime, earning the CICC and its chief runner-up awards at the 2025 Scam Fighter of the Year Awards.
The recognition underscores the Philippines’ commitment to innovation and collaboration in safeguarding its digital landscape. (GMA News Online)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do first if I click a suspicious link?
Immediately disconnect from the internet, scan your device for malware, and contact your bank. - Can I get my money back after being scammed?
It depends. Some banks may help if you report it fast. Always act quickly. - Is it safe to report scams online?
Yes, if you use official channels like the DICT or BSP websites. - Do scammers only target bank customers?
No. Scammers also target online shoppers, social media users, and people looking for jobs.
Conclusion
Scam messages rely on panic, urgency, and carelessness.
Take a second to pause.
Check the source.
Protect your data.
Report anything suspicious.
Just remember the rule: #CheckProtectReport.
You’re the first line of defense.