Metrobank introduces new anti-fraud measures to enhance digital banking security

Mobile banking has made financial transactions faster and more convenient, but it has also created new avenues for scammers to exploit unsuspecting customers. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that social engineering schemes—including phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft—made up 76% of reported cyber fraud losses in 2025. With scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, banks are strengthening their security measures to provide customers with greater protection.

In response, Metrobank has introduced several security upgrades to its mobile app, giving users more control over their accounts while adding safeguards designed to prevent fraudsters from gaining unauthorized access to their funds.

Here are the four new features:

1. Get a 24-hour safety buffer with Cooling-Off Period

Metrobank now automatically activates a 24-hour Cooling-Off Period whenever critical security settings are changed. This means when important account settings are changed, such as your password or registered device, all transactions in your app are temporarily disabled for 24 hours. This protects you from scammers who will attempt to change your account details and gives you time to notice any suspicious activity, secure your account, and report unauthorized changes before any money leaves your account.

2. Lock your savings instantly with Money Lock

One of the biggest concerns after falling victim to a phishing scam is how quickly fraudsters can transfer your money. Metrobank’s Money Lock feature lets you instantly lock part or all of your available balance directly from the app. Once locked, the funds cannot be transferred or used for transactions—including scheduled transactions—until you unlock them yourself. Even if someone gains access to your card, your Money Locked savings remain protected. Before locking your funds, make sure you have enough available balance to cover any upcoming or scheduled transactions to avoid disruptions.

3. Have extra protection through Geolocation checks

Metrobank has also added Geolocation as an additional layer of protection. The app checks whether a transaction is being initiated from your registered mobile device and your device’s location. If something appears unusual or inconsistent, the system can flag suspicious activity and help prevent unauthorized transactions from pushing through. While invisible during normal use, this feature works behind the scenes to strengthen account security.

4. Double-check who you’re sending money to with Payee Verification

Ever worried about sending money to the wrong account because of a typo? Metrobank’s new Payee Verification feature helps reduce that risk. Before completing a transfer to another Metrobank account, the app displays a masked version of the recipient’s registered account name. This allows you to confirm that you’re sending money to the correct person before finalizing the transaction. It’s a simple addition that can help prevent costly transfer mistakes.

A safer way to bank online

These latest security upgrades reflect Metrobank’s ongoing commitment to making digital banking safer, while also aligning with the government’s wider efforts to combat scams under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the amendments introduced through BSP Circular No. 1213.

Customers can access the new features by updating their Metrobank App to the latest version. As digital fraud continues to become more sophisticated, using multiple security measures and understanding how they work can provide an added layer of protection and help keep your finances secure.

To know more and get the latest on Metrobank, visit their website, https://www.metrobank.com.ph/home and follow their official social media pages on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.