Warning up on new scam using fake BSP documents

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (File photo / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday warned the public against unscrupulous parties using fraudulent loan documents, deposit certificates, fund transfer documents or other commercial papers allegedly issued, secured or guaranteed by the central bank.

In a statement, the BSP said that these fraudsters – pretending to be authorized central bank officials – provide these documents to individuals, corporations or institutions.

“Scammers claim that such documents will facilitate financial transactions in favor of the recipients, in exchange for confidential personal or corporate information, and subject to fees or charges,” it said.

The central bank reminded the public that it does not issue or guarantee commercial documents or products like banking forms, fund transfer orders or certificates of deposit.

The BSP also does not transact with individuals, corporations or institutions at random.

“[The central bank] only deals with authorized or accredited counterparties, mostly BSP-supervised institutions, duly-recognized partners and appropriately-contracted suppliers or service providers,” it said.

It advised the public to be cautious of fake documents containing imitations of the BSP seal, logo and official-looking document formats; forged or digitally-copied signatures of BSP officials, employees or consultants; as well as alleged BSP products, services, or partnership agreements offered by individuals or establishments posing as BSP officials, employees or consultants, whether in-person or on social media.

“For your protection, do not believe claims of unexpected monetary gain,” it warned, urging the public to immediately report cases of such claims, suspicious documents or activities naming the BSP or its officials to its Financial Consumer Protection Department at the BSP head office in Manila.

The central bank’s consumer assistance desk can be reached by telephone at (+632) 708-7087 or (02) 708-7701 local 2584, via email at [email protected]