OCBC reports spike in phone scams impersonating them
OCBC Bank has advised customers and the public to be on the lookout after a sharp rise in phone scams impersonating the bank in recent weeks.
In a media release yesterday, OCBC said it received 1,081 calls from July 1 to 17 from customers and the public, compared to 16 for the whole of April.
To date, more than 1,200 calls have been received on the issue, it said.
OCBC said the scam typically begins with an individual receiving an automated voice call which prompts for a response.
These calls, it noted, have impersonated courier companies and banks.
The caller's number is either a truncated six- or seven-digit number that looks like it originated from outside Singapore or a private number (no caller ID shown).
It may even appear as OCBC's official contact number (+65 6363 3333) or some variation of it (such as 065 6363 3333).
'FUND TRANSFERS'
OCBC said the person would be transferred to a Mandarin-speaking individual with a non-local accent.
This person would ask for the individual's personal or banking information including their account number and contact details.
OCBC said it does not initiate automated voice calls that require an interactive response.
It said English is used as the primary form of communication, unless a customer has shown or indicated a preference for a different language.
While OCBC may pose questions to customers to verify their identity, they would not be related to security information such as PIN and account numbers.
OCBC said customers will not be requested to make any funds transfer to another bank account.
If in doubt over a call's authenticity, customers are advised to terminate the call and contact OCBC at 1800 363 3333 (+65 6363 3333 if overseas) to verify. - The Straits Times.
Cracks force closure of Manila runway
The main runway at the Philippines' biggest international airport was closed yesterday due to heavy rain, with more than a hundred flights expected to be delayed or diverted, officials said.
A section of the runway, which handles all large aircraft, suffered significant cracks on Monday morning, forcing it to close, aviation and airport spokesmen said.
The crack scattered small pieces of debris capable of being sucked into engines, making it dangerous to fly, Mr Eric Apolonio, spokesman for the government's civil aviation office, told AFP. The runway is expected to reopen after repairs are carried out, Mr Apolonio said.
Manila International Airport said more than 40 departing flights would be delayed or cancelled while over 60 incoming planes would have to be diverted.
- AFP.
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