Know the basics of what your bank will never do and ask from you

Every crisis presents an opportunity. Unfortunately, this holds true even for scammers. They are very opportunistic even during the most trying situations like a pandemic.

While we hear about the ingenuity of a lot of people these days to augment or protect their finances like converting their own kitchen into small-scale bakeries to sell baked goods online, or converting a garment shop to produce and sell face masks, or shifting to a digital business model like an online palengke, scammers have become very creative, as well, in their modus operandi. 

From their usual scheme of sending out threatening “deactivation” emails to force bank clients to unwittingly give their personal information and card details, also known as phishing, to launching fake COVID donation drives, scammers are now sending emails and texts that warn clients of unauthorized transactions in their credit or debit cards. 

Sounding like what a bank might actually say and do, the email or text would go as far as telling cardholders what items were purchased, where, and when they were bought. But here’s the catch, if a cardholder would like to confirm or reverse such transaction, he or she will have to click a link to an “official” refund page. This link then leads to a FAKE landing page, where clients’ personal bank details are going to be “phished” or stolen if provided.

Truth is, opportunistic scammers are learning how to commit crime by adjusting their schemes to how banks do their advisories. Phishing emails and texts have recently become so professionally written that clients really need to spot fake links and websites than grammatical errors.  

Outsmart scammers by taking these reminders to heart

There is, however, no reason to feel helpless. Phishing and vishing (the telephone equivalent of phishing) are still easy to spot if bank clients just go back to the basics of what their banks will never do or ask from them.  

First, banks will never send deactivation threats. According to BDO Unibank, banks do not deactivate accounts or ask clients to “verify” via email, text, or call. Banks, it added, will also never send a link, not even to a “refund” page as now being circulated by scammers. These will lead to a fake website where clients’ personal information will be stolen.

Second, banks will also never ask for personal bank details through an embedded link. Reminding its clients and all cardholders as well, BDO said, banks will never ask for card details, such as account number and the CVV (3 digit number at the back of the card). These important details will allow scammers to make unauthorized transactions using other people’s cards.

Third, BDO said, banks will never ask for login details and more importantly the One-Time PIN (OTP). An OTP is sent by a bank once clients successfully log in using their username and password. This is the bank’s final security measure. Providing these details to scammers, is like handing them access to money and credit.

BDO believes that scammers will run out of opportunities if all people are armed with these three basic but very important reminders.

Google My Business offers list of open restaurants for Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, to those who are looking for ways to surprise their mom, they can order food online for a simple celebration and support establishments at the same time. A number of restaurants are back in business to sustain their operations and employees, and are ready for takeaways or deliveries. Here are some restaurants to choose from: 

Asian favorites 

Nothing can go wrong with Asian food as its rich flavors and wide variety of culinary delights can surely satisfy one’s cravings for good food. The Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nikkei in Legaspi Village, Rockwell, and BGC are open for takeaway so you can bring home a spread of Japanese favorites including sushi and sashimi. If the family misses those savory xiao long baos, Din Tai Fung BGC is available for orders for takeouts. 

Some Makati restaurants can satisfy mom’s cravings for samgyup or kimchi jjigae with delivery of Korean hearty meals from Big Mama. The family can also enjoy traditional Filipino and Negrense cuisine with takeaway servings from Sarsá Kitchen + Bar. 

All-day comfort food 

Planning to surprise mom with a brunch? Check out The Bowery and its offerings of all-day breakfast to start mom’s day right. Burgers and fries are also a no-fail comfort food and luckily, Sweet Ecstacy Makati is open for takeaway and delivery. If you’re looking for vegan options, Green Bar and Greenery Kitchen have got you covered. 

A slice of Italy

Bring home delicious pizza and pasta platters from Amici -- its Don Bosco, Makati branch is accepting orders for delivery, while its Megamallbranch is open for takeouts. You can also check out Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza in Salcedo, Makati for pizzas cooked with the freshest ingredients and in traditional Italian-style to enjoy the best Mother’s Day meal. 

Western cravings

Refinery in Rockwell is also available for takeaway orders for rice bowls, pasta plates, and even ready-to-cook meals on Mother’s Day. Their coffee beans are also available for purchase -- and it could just be the perfect gift for mom on her special day. For an even fancier spread, get a fill of your favorite steak and cheese platters for delivery or takeaway from the classic Old Swiss Inn. 

Thanks to Google My Business, restaurant owners are able to let their patrons check the opening times and service availability of their  eateries. Its recently launched feature helps users view availability of restaurants for Dine-In, Takeaway, and Delivery, along with other useful information such as address, contact number, and website.  

Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses to manage their digital presence across Search and Maps. It is especially helpful in these times where businesses and customers are going online for their needs. For more information about Google My Business, visit https://www.google.com/business/. 

Celebrate Mom all month long at Goldilocks

We live in unusual and challenging times. What we are going through now with the fight against an unseen enemy has definitely altered the way we live; it has changed the way we work, the way we learn, the way we socialize and even the way we celebrate.  Those who are most keenly affected by this pandemic are our brave frontliners and their families.

Isel Dalmino, a healthcare provider in Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan, is one of the many heroes in the frontlines. She and many other brave souls in the healthcare system will not be able to spend Mother’s Day with their moms and families, as they are constantly working to combat the Covid-19 virus.  However, she draws strength and inspiration from her mother whose life lessons she carries with her every day.

Isel describes her mother Marites as strong, selfless, and supportive. While Marites understands the importance of her daughter’s oath to be a healthcare professional, she naturally worries and cares about the safety and health of her daughter.  Isel shared how her mother has prepared her for the challenges she is taking on right now. “I am thankful for how she raised us,” she said, referring to Marites. “She taught us to be strong and smart, and made sure that we can take care of ourselves. Thank you, Mama.”

 

Goldilocks honors the sacrifice of these brave frontliners and wanted to help them celebrate Mother’s Day amidst these challenges. Goldilocks surprised mommy Marites with a cake to celebrate Mother’s Day in advance.  “Thank you so much Goldilocks for making this advance Mother’s Day celebration possible and extra special!” Isel shares.

Goldilocks is celebrating mothers for the whole month of May because our moms definitely deserve more than just a day of celebration for their love and care. With the desire to make frontliners like Isel and her family happy, Goldilocks will be sending cakes to some deserving families throughout the month.  

How online banking is helping MSMEs cope with the COVID-19 crisis

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) -- the sector frequently deemed as the very driving force of the Philippine economy -- is now in its most challenging phase yet.

Statistics from the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) show that as of 2018, 99.52% of all businesses or 1,003,111 enterprises in the Philippines are MSMEs. In addition, the MSME Development Council noted that new registered businesses in the country went up by 30,000from 1.39 million in December 2018 to 1.42 in May 2019. About seven out of ten employed Filipinos work at an MSME establishment, also based on the DTI data.

This puts the MSMEs as the most vulnerable during economic fallouts due to the small scale at which they operate. The Luzon lockdown has forced MSMEs to either pause operations completely or think of ways they could continue serving customers while complying with the government mandate. 

Fortunately, some MSMEs can afford to implement a work-from-home arrangement. They don't necessarily need their employees in-office and can easily move their entire operations online and into a cloud storage space. Other MSMEs, meanwhile, still operate amid the lockdown rely on available business solutions powered by the internet, such as social media apps like Viber, just to stay afloat.

Since MSMEs are the lifeblood of the economy, banks that have given them the initial financial push are providing them with assistance, primarily via online banking. And sure enough, there has been a significant increase in online banking enrollments and transactions due to the demand to use these digital platforms to pay insurances, bills, and process payroll.

One MSME owner benefiting from online banking during the enhanced community quarantine is The Philippine Star columnist Wilson Lee Flores, who owns the historic Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City.

Wilson bought the bakery from the founders' children in 2014. Since then, the iconic cafe has had its ups and downs, including being severely damaged by a fire caused by a neighboring restobar in 2018.

But Wilson kept the business going even while it was still recovering from the fire, taking inspiration from the movie "The Greatest Showman," by using a special tent to keep serving its patrons.

However, the bakery cafe hadn't fully recovered yet when the Luzon lockdown happened. Fortunately, Wilson has been in partnership with BDO in growing and expanding his business, and has been a user of BDO Online Banking.

"BDO is very friendly and helpful to the needs of the MSMEs in the Philippines. We are happy that customers of Kamuning Bakery Cafe have the convenience of paying us online and receiving their breads, pastries, pies, cookies, fresh milk, etc. via home deliveries,” Wilson said.

“This BDO Online Banking convenience and efficiency has helped boost our sales tremendously,” he added.

Wilson said that because of the lockdown, they had to immediately think of ways they could adjust and cope with the crisis. Now, they have a new delivery service, made possible by BDO Online Banking, which they're looking to continue even after this critical period to further expand their business.

When asked what his advice is to fellow MSMEs, Wilson encourages others operating in this sector to "tap [into] modern technologies like BDO Online Banking," along with marketing products and services through social media in order to, not only survive, but also thrive, and even compete with big businesses.

"Every crisis or problem should not cripple or paralyze us, but should make us quickly adjust and think of creative, flexible, agile ways to cope and even grow," Wilson said.

Wilson went on to say that a reliable bank is vital to the security and growth of any business, big or small, and MSME owners shouldn’t shy away from the help and solutions such could contribute for the furtherance of one’s company.

Wilson believes that the Philippine economy is just as resilient as its people and that it has a bright future ahead. It is high time for MSMEs to "work harder, have positive attitudes, think of ways to innovate always, seek ways to satisfy customers, [and] plan for expanding [one's] business," exhorted the Kamuning bakery cafe owner.

The speed at which the outbreak escalated was unforeseen and nobody could've prepared well enough for it. But it’s also in times like these that Filipinos are able to come up with the best ideas in order to keep going and face the challenges thrown their way head on.

From Passbook to Phone: Embracing the mobile banking lifestyle

The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely changed the way the world works. The need for social distancing and quarantine travel restrictions have made previously-straightforward tasks such as banking transactions far more challenging.

So what is the best way to cope? As in many cases, the use of available technology can make things a lot easier.

Metrobank, one of the country’s top banks, is actively encouraging all of its clients to transition to mobile banking. While their staff is ready and fully capable to serve clients face-to-face, online options have added a layer of safety amid the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Most banking tasks can now be done via your phone or computer, so you don’t have to go out and line-up to a teller to manage your finances. Here are just some of them, and their practical applications.

1.     Balance monitoring

You don’t have to go to your ATM or ask a teller to know how much money your accounts have. All you have to do is fire up your Metrobank Mobile App and you can see your balance in real-time.

You can even monitor your recent activities, both debit and credit, so you don’t have to guess if you really did or did not approve of certain transactions.

Apart from aiding financial discipline, this helps detect and prevent fraud.

2.     Fund transfersNeedless to say, the most fundamental transactions can be done online. Transferring money to another account, same bank or otherwise, can be done with a few taps or clicks.

In the case of the Metrobank Mobile App, all you have to do is put in the recipient’s Metrobank account number or their app-registered mobile number, the amount you need to send, confirm, and you’re done. The transfer is also reflected in real-time so the recipient won’t have to wait for a day or so before checking to confirm if they’ve received the funds.

You can also choose to enroll “Peer” accounts that you regularly send money to so you don’t have to always input their account number or mobile number. You can even schedule these transfers to happen automatically in a given period if you choose.

Sending money to other banks is also possible via InstaPay, which credits funds real-time, or PESONet. Fees for these transactions are waived during the ECQ when done using the Metrobank Mobile App.

This is especially useful if you’re looking to send money to help out friends and family, or paying for goods and services that you procured online.

3.     Bills paymentEven though malls and some payment centers are closed during the ECQ, the Bills Payment utility in the Metrobank Mobile App allows you to pay your bills directly from your bank account.

After enrolling the most common payable bills to your account (Meralco, PLDT, Globe, Smart, etc.) and selecting them, all you have to do is to enter the account details and amount due to complete your payment transaction.

4.     Cardless Withdrawal

In a situation wherein you need to withdraw cash but forgot to bring with you your ATM Card, you will find useful the Cardless Withdrawal feature in the Metrobank Mobile App.

Cardless withdrawal allows you to withdraw a certain amount from your account without having to use your ATM card in any of the 2,300 Metrobank Group ATMs. 

To facilitate this feature, open the Metrobank Mobile App then simply key in the amount you wish to withdraw and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) of your choice. The app will then provide you with a six-digit PIN that pairs with yours.

Once confirmed, go to the nearest Metrobank ATM or PSBank ATM, press ENTER in the ATM Keypad, key in the amount and the PINs, and the machine will dispense the requested amount.

Even before the ECQ, these mobile banking features have been available, but they are particularly useful during these times. One of the things that we can take from our current stay-at-home situation is to change our banking habits and transition into a more convenient and secure digital banking lifestyle.

To know more about the features of the Metrobank Mobile App, please visit the Metrobank website at metrobank.com.ph or Metrobank’s Facebook page at facebook.com/metrobank.

Bo’s Coffee puts safety, sanitation at forefront as it reopens its doors to patrons after ECQ lift

The safety and health of customers, delivery partners and store teams remain the top priority at Bo’s Coffee. With the continued spread of COVID-19 threats around the country, most businesses remain closed until the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted, while others are able to open but with their own ways of keeping their stores safe and sanitary.

One of the local businesses that is slowly re-opening their doors is Bo’s Coffee, the beloved Philippine-homegrown coffee chain. While the brand continues to serve through delivery and pick-up from few select locations, Bo’s Coffee is also preparing to slowly reopen their stores to the public with extra safety and sanitary measures to ensure that their customers are in good hands. 

Here are the things Bo’s Coffee is currently doing to ensure the safety and sanitation of their stores for their customers and its store teams: 

COVID-19 Safety Plan – How Bo’s Coffee is making sure their customers are safe 

Sanitation Stations

Among its current efforts are providing sanitation stations which includes foot baths or sanitation mats that will be used by customers and team members to sanitize their shoes before entering the store, an automatic hand sanitizer dispenser at the entrance of the store, hand sanitizers at the cashier and bar areas, and temperature checks by the store team member or security personnel. 

Air Quality

Air conditioning units and air vents will be thoroughly sanitized and cleaned at least once a week to make sure there is minimal chance of air contamination.

Store team members are also required to wear face masks at all times.

Social Distancing

Initially, most stores will be open only for entryway service, delivery, pick-up, take-out and curbside pick-up. Stores that will be open for dine-in service will have their seating capacity lessen by half to maintain social distancing. 

There will be markers on the floor to indicate proper distance between customers who are in line to order. 

Contactless Transactions

Contactless service is also being strictly implemented during this time and customers are strongly encouraged to use Bo’s Coffee Order Ahead via Messenger platform for seamless ordering and cashless payment. 

Online ordering and delivery is also available through their delivery partners FoodPanda, LalaFood, and soon GrabFood.

All electronic payments are accepted at Bo’s Coffee and for credit card payments, customers will be asked to personally slot in their credit card in the terminal. Meanhwhile, there will be cash trays provided for cash transactions to avoid direct contact. 

While Bo’s Coffee has strongly supported the movement on reducing single-use plastic, the safety of customers is now of higher importance and points of contact are minimized with the use of disposable packaging and non-use of ceramic wares and personal tumblers.

Condiments will be removed from the condiments station to minimize handling by multiple people and will be given by the barista together with the beverage order.

COVID-19 Safety Plan – How they’re making sure their store team members are safe 

Health and Safety of Team Members

Aside from their customers, the company also highly prioritizes the safety and health of their employees. 

Some of the measures being implemented are daily body temperature checks of each store personnel at the start of each shift, clothes and shoes sanitation of each employee upon arrival at the store, personal protective equipment such as face masks, face shields and gloves are to be worn by each team member at all times, and a foot bath/sanitation mat will be provided for them, among other things. 

Sanitation Strategy 

Before store reopening, team members will undergo online training on new and updated safety, cleaning and sanitation procedures.

Team members are also required to follow strict cleaning and sanitation procedures during pre-opening and post-closing of the store. While in operation, all points of contact and areas touched by customers and team members will be cleaned and sanitized regularly. 

Since the washroom is considered a hotspot, it will be kept locked, but customers will be 

advised to ask the store team member to open it—should they need to use it—and will be sanitized after every use.

The re-opening of Bo’s Coffee stores will be based on the national government’s guidelines on which areas are under ECQ or GCQ. However, at the top of mind is the consideration for team members’ accessibility and safety as well as customer needs.

“As the post COVID-19 new normal, things will be very different with our stores now putting more emphasis on providing a safe and sanitary experience to both customers and team members, but the one thing that will be the same is we will strive to provide our customers the best Philippine Coffee experience whether in the comfort of their homes or in our stores,” Bo’s Coffee chief executive officer Steve D. Benitez said.

For more details on Bo’s Coffee Brand Story, current store operations, products and services, you may visit their website at www.boscoffee.com and their social media accounts at Facebook.com/boscoffee/ IG and Twitter @boscoffee.