11/03/2026
Regarding in-app OTPs: please be careful, as hackers are increasingly targeting WhatsApp accounts. Be vigilant and never share a WhatsApp OTP with anyone. I know many people who were recently hacked this way. Often, older users aren't familiar with these security risks and can be easily misled.
Please note that even if you don't use WhatsApp yourself, providing a code sent to your number allows hackers to create an account in your name.
I managed to recover most of the affected accounts of my loved one, but we are still locked out of her CIMB and old Instagram accounts
Stay alert and be safe. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas WhatsApp
Starting June 30, 2026, banks in the Philippines will be required by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to move away from SMS OTPs, in line with the implementation of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).
The policy encourages banks to adopt more secure authentication methods to better protect users from phishing, SIM-swap attacks, and other account takeover scams as digital banking continues to grow.
Expect banks and financial apps to gradually introduce updated verification methods as the deadline approaches.
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