At least once a month, I get an e-mail from a “bank” asking me to update my customer information, or warning of an anomaly in my account.
The e-mail is “phishing,” or attempting to extract useful data, like personal account information.
Fortunately, I do not have accounts in those “banks,” so I can easily ignore the messages. But, sent randomly, the e-mail probably reaches people who really have accounts in those “banks.”
What I usually do with the questionable e-mail is forward it to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, so it can alert the bank concerned and its clients.
People who have been or are likely to be victimized by phishing may find helpful these tips from Citibank Philippines:
What are phishing e-mails?
Phishing e-mails, also known as spoof or hoax e-mails, are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
How do I spot a phishing e-mail?
Phishing e-mails will:
- Appear to be from a well-known company.
- Warn you of an urgent situation relating to your account.
- Contain spelling errors so the e-mails can avoid spam filters.
What do I do if I receive a phishing e-mail?
Do not respond to the e-mail, download any attachments or click any link.
Citi clients can tell if the bank sent the e-mail if it comes from citibank@emailapps. apac.citi.com. Information requested by Citi will have to be sent to an address with @citi.com or @citicorp.com as domain name.
If you suspect a Citi message is a phishing attempt, forward it to [email protected], then delete it immediately.
Citibank advises clients not to open e-mails from senders they do not recognize. Enhance computer security by installing anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection.
Verify that the URL is correct—www.citibank.com.ph.
P2P bus service
Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), operator of Robinsons Malls, and HM Transport, Inc. have launched a point-to-point (P2P) bus service between Fairview in Quezon City and Makati.
The partners hope that with the P2P bus service, they will provide people, including car owners, a comfortable and convenient transport alternative. Car owners living in the vicinity of Fairview can park their vehicles for free at Robinsons Novaliches, starting point of the QC bus, and collect it when they return from Makati.
Buses, which will charge a one-way fare of P120, are configured to make it convenient and comfortable even for persons with disability, including the wheelchair-bound, and the elderly.
They will park at Robinsons Novaliches on Quirino Highway and stop at Park Square in Makati Commercial Center.
Roseann Villegas, RLC director for public relations, says, in offering the P2P service, they hope to contribute to easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
Feedback
A reader, who asks not to be identified, hopes the no garage-no car bill will pass. She points out traffic obstructions as she drives around Metro Manila.
In Quezon City, fighting cock cages occupy sidewalks, while soft drinks warehouses have taken half of Mariveles Street. Vendors are on the streets because residents have built garages on sidewalks.
Tricycle drivers go against the normal flow of traffic and ignore traffic lights. They park wherever they please, including street corners.
The reader says authorities should get rid of tricycles, pedicabs and other contraptions that clog the streets. Jeepneys should also be regulated. “We have a neighbor who parks his jeepneys on the street, change oil and even (take apart and use) a welding machine on the very same street,” she says.
Send letters to The Consumer, Lifestyle Section, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 1098 Chino Roces Ave. cor. Mascardo and Yague Sts., 1204 Makati City; fax 8974793/94; or e-mail [email protected]
