Beware of Scammer Tricks!
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Scams

June 22, 2023 | by HC Mutual

Have you experienced getting a text message from an unknown number stating that you won a cash prize from a raffle you don’t remember joining? How about an email from an online shop asking you to click a link to claim your discount? Or a phone call from a “bank representative” asking you for some of your personal details?

These are some common examples of scams that result in the victim’s loss of funds, or even identity theft. It is easier to fall into these traps nowadays because scammers know more ways of fooling people: They can do it through text messages, chat, emails, calls, posts, fake websites, and more.

This should serve as a wake up call to everyone. If scammers are coming up with more creative schemes, it would be best for you to be more vigilant and knowledgeable about the effective ways in avoiding scams. Here are some tips that you should know!  
1. Familiarize yourself with the latest form of scams.
Scammers have become more creative with their strategies. Here are some of the most common scams that you should avoid:
  • Online purchase scams – Customers are tempted to avail unrealistic deals but the products do not arrive.
  • Loan scams – Customers are offered affordable loans online but they are required to provide their personal details and monetary deposit first before the loan is processed.
  • Social scams – Scammers impersonate your family or friends online or through text messages then ask you for financial help to get out of an emergency. 
  • Impersonation scams – Scammers pretend to be bank representatives and convince you to avail of credit cards or give your personal information so they can assist you in preventing your account from being locked. 
Other forms of scams include fake websites that require you to supply your personal details and credit card details (also called “phishing” websites), fake sellers in social media, and malicious pop-ups. Always be aware of the different ways scammers can reach you so you can avoid falling into their illegal schemes. 
2.Update and secure the login credentials of all your accounts.
Most mobile banking apps encourage you to update your passwords after a given period of time. Make sure to follow this practice to improve the security of your accounts.   It would also be best to keep track of all your passwords in your mobile banking app, email, and social media accounts. Secure them in a list only you can access and avoid saving your passwords in your devices. Enable two-factor authentication or use an authenticator app so it won’t be easy for hackers to open your accounts. Lastly, connect to your mobile banking accounts using only a trusted WiFi source; using a public WiFi hotspot offers less security.
3.Always check the senders of the text messages, emails, and chats you receive.

Before replying and clicking any links within the message, double-check the senders of the text messages, emails, and chats you receive. Most scammers can now create emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, with minimal differences compared to official company email addresses.


Here are some of the red flags that you should watch out for:

  • Misspelled words or grammatical errors in text messages, chats, or emails
  • Signs of urgency
  • Requests for sensitive/personal information
  • Sketchy links or email addresses
  • Deals that are too good to be true

In terms of text messages and chats, avoid interacting with unknown numbers and users. Official companies usually have registered contact numbers that appear on your mobile phones when they message or call you.

4.Update and secure the login credentials of all your accounts.
A fake support call usually comes with a warning that they cannot help you if you do not give them your personal details immediately. Banks, e-wallets, and other service providers will not ask for your birthday, account numbers, passwords, OTP’s, and the like. Drop the call and check your accounts for any unauthorized transactions. You can also report the incident to the company being impersonated in the fake support call.

5.In terms of choosing where to put your money, choose a savings account that is proven to be secure.
HC Mutual ensures its members that their hard-earned money is always safe. Aside from this, you can also grow your savings with good interest rates! Choose the plan that works best for you and start building the life you aspire to have.
  • Flexible payments terms of 3, 5, or 7 years
  • 3% earnings from your savings per annum
  • Easy saving through payroll deduction automatic debit arrangement, or payment through any U Store branch nationwide
LEARN MORE

Save up and earn big for that dream house, dream vacation, or dream purchase
with HC Mutual!

  • Start saving at Php 2,424, Php 4,848, or Php 7,272 per month
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  • 5% per annum after 5 years and upon completion of the savings plan
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Always be aware and careful with who you interact with online or through texts and calls. Be suspicious by default so you can meticulously assess the credibility of the person trying to interact with you. Scammers can be more creative with their schemes, but if you practice being more vigilant, you can avoid falling for their tricks. 

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