While Facebook, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms connect us to the world, they have also become fertile ground for scammers. In Puerto Rico, multiple fraud cases have been reported, with victims losing their money or personal information because they trusted a message that came through a social network.
Although ATH Móvil is one of the most popular payment methods, it's neither risk-free. Attempted fraud involving suspicious messages, fake profiles, and hacked accounts is becoming more common.
Here are four alerts you can't ignore:
Your "friend" asks you for money on Facebook or tells you to transfer it using ATH Móvil.
Check it out before making a transfer! Your account may be hacked! Use another method to write to the person and confirm that it's really that individual.
You receive a WhatsApp message from a strange number.
They might tell you that you've won a prize, or there's a problem with your account, or that they need urgent help. They also send you a strange link where you can enter your data. Stop! While it looks like a fraudulent story to scam you…it is! Don't share your information or click on suspicious links – ever!
You receive a notification that you won a prize from a drawing you never participated in. And to top it off, they are asking for payment to send the prize to you!
If you don't remember filling out a form or participating in anything, don't give them a single piece of information. And if you make the mistake of giving them your information or sending a payment for your "prize," you're left with the headache of having to resolve the situation. Remember, prevention is always better than having to find a remedy.
Someone asks you for confidential information.
Neither your bank, ATH Móvil, nor any legitimate company will ask for your account number, PIN, Social Security Number, or password via message, email, or phone call. If they do, report it.
Stay alert, check it out, and avoid the scam! Don't share your personal information with anyone! At FirstBank, we want you to enjoy technology without risking your security.
The contents in this section are provided for informational and educational purposes only and do not apply to all types of situations. The contents should not be construed as any type of advice or suggestion to take (or refrain from taking) any particular action, as it does not include or take into account all factors that may be relevant to your individual needs.