With Bank of the Philippine Islands’ electronic banking channels—automated teller machines, mobile and web-based platforms—taken offline to correct an “internal data error,” here are what the bank and you could do, according to BPI senior vice president Cathy Santamaria:
For clients whose accounts had been debited, BPI will make sure the paper loss will be reversed and automatically be fixed.
For those who suddenly have bigger account balances than what’s due them, don’t touch the money because the excess amounts will automatically be removed or charged against these accounts.
If you really don’t need your money, don’t panic. There’s no need to withdraw as the money is there. BPI assured that no one will lose money from this glitch.
Don’t post any personal information or account information because that can be used by unscrupulous parties who may take advantage of this incident to obtain sensitive information from BPI account holders.
Be vigilant. BPI does not ask for any information online so don’t give any information online for your own personal safety.
Check issuances will have to be processed one-on-one within the branch.
For those who feel there’s something wrong with their accounts, all of BPI’s over 800 branches are open and anyone who needs to withdraw can go to the nearest branch. Make sure that as you transact, get only the money that’s yours. —REPORTS FROM DORIS DUMLAO-ABADILLA AND BEN O. DE VERA