As the Christmas rush hits its peak, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issued a stern advisory on Wednesday, December 24, warning the public against a sophisticated wave of “budol” (scams) designed to exploit the season of giving.
The bureau noted a sharp increase in fraudulent activities, ranging from fake online storefronts to deceptive payment links, as scammers refine their tactics to mimic major retailers.
Sophisticated Deception
NBI investigators highlighted that modern cybercriminals are no longer just sending poorly worded emails.
They are now using high-quality branding and official-looking logos to trick shoppers into revealing banking credentials or personal data.
“If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is,” the NBI stated in its advisory.
The bureau emphasized that fraudsters are leveraging the high volume of holiday transactions to hide phishing messages within legitimate-looking digital threads.
Partnering Against Fraud
The warning comes as various agencies and private partners ramp up their defenses.
Recently, the NBI teamed up with Cebu Pacific to crack down on unauthorized flight sellers who use stolen credit cards to book trips, only to resell them to unsuspecting travelers.
These fraudulent bookings are often canceled once the bank detects the theft, leaving travelers stranded at the airport.
Protect Your ‘Noche Buena’ Funds
To ensure a scam-free holiday, the NBI urges the public to follow these safety guidelines:
• Verify Before You Buy: Double-check the legitimacy of online marketplaces and sellers. Stick to official websites or verified platforms.
• Don’t Click the Link: Avoid clicking links in SMS or emails from unknown sources, even if they claim to offer “exclusive” holiday discounts.
• Guard Your OTP: Never share your One-Time Password (OTP), banking details, or passwords with anyone. No legitimate bank or retailer will ask for these.
• Preserve Evidence: If you suspect a scam, take screenshots of conversations, advertisements, and transaction receipts immediately.
How to Report
The NBI is encouraging victims and those who encounter suspicious activity to report incidents to the NBI Cybercrime Division.
Complaints can be filed at their main office, regional branches, or through the online e-complaint portal at nbi.gov.ph.
For immediate assistance, the public may also contact the National Anti-Scam Hotline by dialing 1326.