The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) warns the public about the growing threat of spoofed SMS scams, particularly in Metro Manila, where the strict implementation of SIM registration last year has led to a significant rise in the practice of impersonating SMS channels.
For instance, customers have reported incidents in which messages, imitating sender IDs of telcos and banks, entice them with fraudulent links to redeem non-existent rewards, including mobile devices. Those who fall for spoofed SMS and engage with senders may unwittingly give away personal and sensitive information, giving fraudsters access to their online accounts, such as social media profiles, e-wallets, and banking accounts.
Telcos, banks, and financial institutions have taken proactive steps against spoofing, issued public warnings, and collaborated with partners and law enforcement agencies to apprehend scammers.
The PCTO supports these measures and is actively working with all members to enhance the security and reliability of telco services across the country.
“Spoofing is a form of cybercrime that is increasingly difficult to detect. We’re urging everyone to be extra cautious with any SMS that asks for personal information or prompts to click on a link. Verify the authenticity of such messages by contacting the official customer service channels,” said Atty. Froilan Castelo, PCTO President, and Globe General Counsel.
Spoofing is not unique to the Philippines but is a global concern. It is facilitated using illegal equipment such as International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers or fake cell towers.
These devices, which can be transported by foot or vehicle, simulate cell towers to intercept mobile communications within a certain radius, enabling them to connect to and send messages to phones within the covered area with sender IDs that imitate official accounts. This method bypasses telco networks’ spam filters, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
The PCTO urges the public to report any suspicious message to their respective service providers and follow best digital security practices. This includes avoiding clicking on links from unknown sources, never sharing personal information via SMS, and regularly updating their knowledge on the latest scam tactics.
The PCTO aims to safeguard the public against these deceptive and harmful practices by raising awareness and promoting collective vigilance.
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