Markus Castro
As fraud attacks in the Philippines become increasingly sophisticated, Salmon, one of the country’s leading fintech apps, continues to strengthen customer protection with robust security features. Designed to proactively detect threats and prevent unauthorized access, Salmon’s advanced security systems help keep customer accounts and transactions safe before fraud can occur.
“Most financial platforms still treat fraud as something you respond to after the damage is done,” said Raffy Montemayor, Co-founder of Salmon. “At Salmon, we designed our security systems to work in the background and proactively stop fraud before it succeeds.”
This enables Salmon customers to transact more confidently, knowing their accounts are safeguarded by multiple layers of intelligent security.
Real-time visibility on where your account is used
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Unlike many financial apps, Salmon provides customers with a view of all devices logged into their account, showing details such as the phone model, approximate location, and last active time.
If a device seems unfamiliar or suspicious, customers can immediately end that session with one tap within the app. The device they are currently using is distinctly marked as “This device” to prevent accidental lockouts.
Customers can view the apps, online stores, and other services where their Salmon card is registered, and can conveniently restrict charges if necessary. This provides them with complete visibility and control over the usage of their Salmon account.
Instant card controls and one-time virtual cards
Customers can quickly freeze or permanently block their Salmon card within the app if it is lost or believed to be compromised, ensuring immediate protection against unauthorized transactions.
To enhance online shopping safety, customers can create a one-time virtual card that expires after one use, safeguarding their main card information and lowering the chance of fraud.
Detecting malicious apps
A rapidly increasing fraud threat in the Philippines involves malicious apps that covertly access screen content, capture OTPs, and may carry out unauthorized actions without user awareness.
Salmon detects when a suspicious app on a customer’s device has gained dangerous control. Based on the risk level, Salmon will notify the customer either through the app or direct calls, or temporarily limit sensitive account activities to safeguard the customer. They will then receive guidance on removing malicious apps and securing any exposed credentials.
Security beyond the OTP
Many account takeover scams in the Philippines depend on intercepting OTPs via phishing links, fake calls, or malware. Salmon’s security model ensures that an OTP alone cannot authorize sensitive actions.
To perform essential account actions like money transfers, users need to undergo live facial verification. Unlike typical phone face unlock features, Salmon’s facial recognition system specifically confirms the user is physically present and real before allowing sensitive operations.
This ensures that even if attackers intercept OTPs, they cannot transfer funds or fully seize control of an account, thereby lowering the risk of account takeover fraud.
In-app fraud confirmation in under a minute
When Salmon detects a potentially high-risk transaction, it is flagged for confirmation before any funds leave the customer’s account.
Customers immediately receive an in-app notification containing key transaction details, allowing them to quickly review the activity and either confirm the transaction and retry it instantly, or report it as fraudulent.
The entire process happens digitally within the app itself, without requiring hotline calls, lengthy wait times, or branch visits, unlike other banks or fintechs.
24/7 human anti-fraud support
Salmon’s anti-fraud team works 24/7, offering customers direct access to human support whenever they detect suspicious activity.
For more complex fraud-related cases, Salmon also assigns investigators to assist customers in documenting incidents, preparing complaints, and coordinating regulatory or legal filings when necessary.
As digital scams develop further, Salmon argues that fintech security should shift from reactive alerts to proactive, customer-focused protection.
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