BSP warns public against identity theft

MANILA, July 4 (PNA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a warning to the public against identity theft involving financial transactions.

BSP said identity theft happens “when someone uses your personal information without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.”

A person’s identity can be stolen through several means like Internet, pickpockets, mail or dumpster diving.

BSP said “dumpster diving” is when a person rummages “through trash looking for documents with your personal information on it.”

Anyone can protect themselves from being a victim of these crime by not giving their personal financial information like account number and password on the phone or by way of the Internet “especially in response to unsolicited requests.”

BSP also advised the public to “contact the particular financial institution mentioned in the letter or e-mail message requesting for your personal information if unsure whether such communication is legitimate.”

Also, anyone should transact only with secured websites with “https" in the address bar, shred or destroy papers, receipts and other documents bearing personal information when throwing them away and keep in a safe place all private records and statements and do not share these with anyone.