It has been more than a year since the SIM Registration Law has been passed. The registration was even extended in efforts other than curb dubious SIM numbers. However, text scams remained to be rampant despite the SIM Registration Law, and the DICT admitted that there are loopholes to it that scammers took advantage of.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, DICT Spokesperson ASec. Renato Paraiso admitted that scammers found loopholes in the SIM Registration Law by shifting to messaging apps like Viber and WhatsApp instead of SMS for sending text scams.
To make matters worse, scammers even use foreign SIM cards despite the SIM Registration Law, and Paraiso also revealed that some even use a portable gadget called an IMSI for sending text blasts without passing through local telcos. The CICC even received reports that unregistered SIM cards are even used for scams like online bank transaction messages.
To address the recurring issues of text scams, the DICT said that they are working with lawmakers, government agencies and other stakeholders to beef up the country’s cybersecurity with new and future-proof policies. Aside from that, CICC Executive Director USec. Alexandser Ramos also urges the public to report text scams immediately by calling the hotline 1326.