BPI warns of evolving scams as Holy Week, April Fool’s Day drive surge in online activity

• Photo from BPI

As Filipinos observe the Lenten season, Holy Week is increasingly intersecting with heightened digital activity, prompting fresh warnings from Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) over the risks of online scams exploiting moments of urgency and goodwill.

The bank said periods such as Holy Week—when many Filipinos send money, make donations, or manage finances remotely—can create opportunities for cybercriminals to take advantage of distracted users. The timing also coincides with April Fool’s Day, reinforcing the need for vigilance as scams become more sophisticated and harder to detect.

BPI noted that modern scams are no longer easily identifiable, as fraudulent messages increasingly mimic legitimate communications from trusted institutions or even personal contacts. These schemes often rely on emotional triggers, urgency, and deception to pressure victims into making quick decisions.

“Scammers often rely on urgency and emotion to pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the call,” said Jonathan John B. Paz, Head of Enterprise Fraud Risk and Information Security Management at BPI. “Practicing good cyber hygiene and verifying offers before making transactions can help prevent financial loss and protect sensitive information.”

Among the most common threats flagged by the bank are phishing messages disguised as official alerts, fraudulent payment links designed to capture banking credentials, impersonation schemes involving fake relatives or bank representatives, and fabricated donation drives that exploit charitable intent during the season.

BPI urged the public to adopt stricter digital safety practices, emphasizing that users should never share card details or one-time passwords, avoid clicking suspicious links, and refrain from downloading applications from unverified sources. The bank also advised customers to regularly review account settings and keep contact information updated to strengthen security.

“Cybersecurity starts with simple everyday habits,” Paz added. “Taking time to update contact information, review security settings, and stay alert online can go a long way in protecting your accounts.”

The bank underscored that staying safe online is a shared responsibility, especially as Filipinos navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape during peak periods like Holy Week, where reflection and caution go hand in hand.