The Philippines remains the world’s social media capital, ranking at number one for the 6th straight year in the annual report by research agencies Hootsuite and We Are Social, which tracks global social media and internet usage.
In 2020, Filipinos logged in four hours and 15 minutes on social media every day. This record not only breaches its average of three hours and 53 minutes in 2019, but also the global average of two hours and 25 minutes in 2020.
With this much time spent on social media, BDO Unibank cautions the general public to be careful of the information they share. Scammers lurk online to steal personal information, which they use to access online bank accounts and steal money. They can also use it to open new bank accounts.
BDO advises clients never to post documents with their full name, birthday, and other information that scammers can use to answer security questions on social media.
The bank also said Filipinos should reconsider sharing full name, birthday, education background, employment, and other personal information.
Social media users should also choose the people who can see their posts. Social media platforms have privacy settings to filter what others can see.
“Only add people you actually know, especially if you’re sharing personal moments like birthday celebrations, family photos, or professional achievements. Unfriend those you don’t really know,” BDO said.
BDO encourages clients to report suspicious incidents to ReportPhish@bdo.com.ph, or get in touch with its representatives by logging in Messenger and looking for BDO Customer Care with the blue verified checkmark from Facebook. Clients may also call its hotline at 8631-8000.
BDO is a full-service universal bank that provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services.
The bank has the country’s largest distribution network, with over 1,400 consolidated operating branches and more than 4,400 ATMs nationwide.
It also has 18 overseas remittance and representative offices including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
