Beware of Scams!

AVOID making any payments, handing over cash, or transferring funds to individuals.

How should you protect yourself?

Discover various cybersecurity threats and learn valuable tips to educate and safeguard yourself against online scams.

Malware

Malicious software (Malware) refers to programs or files intended to harm computer systems.

It is designed to disrupt, damage, steal, or unauthorizedly access computer systems.

Malware often masquerades as legitimate file downloads, distributed through attachments or links from unfamiliar email sources or websites you visit.

Prevention

  • 1.Avoid clicking on any dubious links received through SMS, messaging apps (such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook Messenger), and other social media platforms.
  • 2.Download mobile apps solely from reputable platforms like Google Play Store, Apple App Store, etc.
  • 3.Ensure the installation of dependable antivirus software and regularly update to the latest definitions on your computer systems and devices.

Passwords and Authentication

Cybercriminals utilize software to scan public profiles for potential password combinations and employ dictionary attacks, automatically attempting various words until they identify a match for your password.

Prevention

  • 1.Refrain from using identical passwords across various accounts.
  • 2.As an initial security measure, establish a robust password for your online account. A strong password should include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • 3.Avoid using repetitive passwords with commonly known combinations like '1111', '1234', 'password', 'football', and similar ones.
  • 4.Regularly update your passwords.

Email Phishing/ Scams

Email scams typically arrive as spam emails but may also mimic legitimate websites. They aim to deceive recipients into divulging personal information, facilitating identity theft or fraudulent activities.

These emails often contain links leading to fake websites, where users may unknowingly disclose their user ID, password, and One-Time Password (OTP).

Prevention

  • 1.Verify the sender's email address to confirm it originates from a legitimate company email ([email protected]).
  • 2.BBM never sends emails to customers/investors asking for personal information or password changes.
  • 3.Avoid opening or forwarding emails that contain vague greetings like "Dear customer" and appear suspicious or originate from unknown sources, as they may be scams.
  • 4.Refrain from clicking directly on URL links embedded in email bodies; instead, manually type them into your browser. Be wary of grammatical errors, such as "B3M," as they are often used to deceive you into believing the message is from a legitimate source.

Online/ Internet Security

Always ensure to clear your browser cache upon logging out of Public Mutual Online (PMO) to prevent your account numbers and sensitive information from being stored on public computers or devices you may have used.

Keep your login credentials and passwords confidential at all times.

Never disclose your Personal Authentication Code (PAC) to anyone, regardless of the communication channel..

Avoid using unsecured mobile devices (e.g., jailbroken, rooted OS) to safeguard your account against tampering or compromise.

Phone Scams

Phone scams involve deceptive phone calls or SMS messages aimed at tricking victims into disclosing sensitive information, such as user account details, passwords, and PAC/OTP.

Prevention

  • 1.Avoid disclosing personal data during unidentified phone calls/SMS messages.
  • 2.BBM does not request personal information such as passwords and user accounts from investors via phone calls/SMS.

Stay Vigilant, Stay Secured

We all need to commit to cybersecurity. This page offers useful tips and information to help you take precautions and safeguard your personal and sensitive data.