The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has issued a warning to the public regarding the proliferation of artificially generated fake news, cautioning that such content, often bearing BDCB’s name and logo, can mislead and deceive unsuspecting individuals.
These fake news are often posted on social media and use “clickbait headlines” to attract readers’ attention and deceive them into providing personal or financial information. They also often promote unlicensed financial products/services or deceive the victim into installing malicious applications on their electronic devices.
BDCB strongly advises the public to be vigilant and exercise caution by verifying sources, being wary of sensational claims, avoiding unlicensed entities, keeping your personal information safe and reporting suspicious content.
The public can report any suspicious financial activities to BDCB’s Financial Consumer Issues at 2380007/8380007 or email fci@bdcb.gov.bn.
Members of the public may also report suspicious activities on social media directly to the social media service (e.g., Facebook or Meta) and to the Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCERT) hotline 2458001, email reporting@brucert.org.bn, or WhatsApp 7170766.
BDCB emphasised that misusing its name or logo, or using its name or logo without permission, is an offence under Section 74A of the BDCB Order, 2010. This offence carries a penalty of a fine not exceeding BND20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both. – JAMES KON
