We're pretty sure it was not some sort of PR stunt made by the office of Sen. Win Gatchalian, who happens to be the vice-chairperson of the Senate committee on banks and financial institutions and Senate committee on economic affairs, by crying out a cybercrime with him as the victim.
The cyber "heist" happened barely a week into the new year on which a hacker allegedly slashed his way through the walls of his credit card and charged P1 million worth of food and drinks using it.
May Happen To Any 'Juan'
Until this very moment, the culprits, shall we say, are still very much enjoying the bitter fruits of their fraudulent transaction through Foodpanda.
Otherwise, arrest(s) may have already been made public by the lawmaker from Valenzuela who also vowed to set in motion an inquiry (in aid of legislation) on credit use as well as protection of users.
This is truly alarming as it could happen here, there, and everywhere to any Juan or Juana.
Sen. Win also averred the hacker or hackers was/were able to change his registered phone number where one-time passwords are sent.
Track 'Em Down
But if the senator is truly serious in pinning down the shenanigans, he can start by inviting officials of the food delivery service company along with the men/women who made the delivery as they usually ask recipients of delivered goods to sign on the dotted line below.
They can pinpoint the place, time, type of faces of the recipients, and other details pertinent to solving the case.
Cases of phishing using ATM cards and credit card fraud proliferated amid the pandemic as more and more Filipinos embraced online shopping whilst even authorities themselves expressed alarm.
While it is the duty of authorities to serve and protect the public, it is also the duty of everyone to be informed before the hackers strike anew and claim their next victim.
PNP Issues Tips
To that effect, the PNP here in the province of Batangas offered useful "Identity Theft Prevention Tips" that every Batangueno can use, as:
1. Make sure the credit cards are safe and secure before submitting a credit card number.
2. Don't throw away credit cards or bank statements that others can still fill up.
3. Be alert of missing bills that may mean someone else is using your account.
4. Be aware of ′′ scams ′′ that ask for your personal information.
5. Don't give your credit card details through a call unless you started the call.
6. Watch the activities of your credit card to immediately notice suspicious uses. Review your credit card report at least once a year.
7. Immediately report unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card companies.
Act Immediately
Prompt action always helps.
As such, victims are advised to immediately report ASAP to the nearest police station or through the PNP's social media pages/accounts should fraudulent transactions have been committed.
Email ismaelamigo@yahoo.com.