By Kenneth Marcos 
The phone vibrates. A message flashes on the screen, warning that a bank account will be blocked unless a link is clicked right away. For many Filipinos, this moment brings fear and panic, pushing some to act without thinking. But authorities say this is exactly what scammers want.
LANDBANK of the Philippines is reminding the public to stay alert against fake text messages that pretend to come from banks. These messages often claim that an account will be suspended or locked and urge recipients to click a link immediately. According to the bank, these are common tactics used by cybercriminals to steal personal and financial information.
The state-owned bank said messages that use threats, pressure, or suspicious links should be treated as red flags. Legitimate banks do not ask clients to click links or provide sensitive details such as passwords, one-time pins, or account numbers through SMS or email.
Cybersecurity experts explain that scammers rely on fear and urgency. When people panic, they are more likely to make mistakes. Once a link is clicked, victims may be directed to fake websites designed to look like official bank pages. Any information entered there can be used to access bank accounts or commit fraud.
LANDBANK advised customers to follow simple but important steps when they receive suspicious messages. These include not clicking the link, not replying to the message, and not sharing any personal information. The safest action is to delete the message right away and report it to the bank.
The bank also stressed that reporting scam messages helps protect others. When scams are reported early, banks can issue public warnings and strengthen their security systems to block similar attacks.
As online banking and digital payments become more common, cyber scams are also increasing. Government data shows that phishing and online fraud remain among the top cybercrime complaints in the country. Many victims come from working-class families who rely on mobile phones for daily transactions, making awareness even more important.
LANDBANK continues to promote its “CyberSigurista” campaign to educate customers on safe online behavior. The campaign encourages Filipinos to be cautious, verify information, and think twice before clicking any link or responding to unexpected messages.
Customers who encounter suspicious messages or believe they may have been targeted by scammers are urged to contact the LANDBANK Customer Care Hotline at (02) 8-405-7000 or 1-800-10-405-7000 for PLDT toll-free calls. Reports can also be sent through email at reportphishing@landbank.com.
Bank officials reminded the public that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. While banks continue to improve their systems, users must also play their part by staying informed and alert.
In a time when scams can spread as fast as a text message, one careful decision can make a big difference. By staying calm and following proper steps, Filipinos can protect not only their own hard-earned money but also help stop scammers from harming others.
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