Text scams are a common occurrence in the Philippines, and it can be challenging to differentiate them from legitimate messages, now even containing the full name of the recipient. They may come from unknown numbers, claiming job offers, cash prizes, discounts, or even pose as a relative asking for money or load.
It is important to remember that you must never click on the links provided nor contact the number or any number provided in the message. These links or numbers usually contain a virus that can give cybercriminals access to your data. In this article, we’ll show you how to identify text scams and report them to the relevant authorities in the Philippines.
Identify the questionable text:
- Watch out for unknown numbers: Scammers often use anonymous numbers to send their fraudulent messages.
- Don’t click on links or reply to messages: Links or numbers provided in the message may contain a virus that can give cybercriminals access to your data.
- Check for spelling and grammar mistakes: Text scams may contain grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or awkward sentence structures.
- Be wary of messages that ask for personal information: Scammers may ask for your full name, date of birth, social security number, or banking details.
- Be cautious of urgent or threatening messages: Scammers may use fear tactics to get people to act quickly without thinking.
Report the text scam to authorities
If you receive a suspicious message, report it to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) by forwarding it to their hotline numbers or through this link.
- +632 8920 4464.
- +632 8926 7722.
- +632 8921 3251
- reportsmishing@privacy.gov.ph
- textscam@privacy.gov.ph
You can also report it to your mobile network provider, such as Globe, Smart, or DITO, which may be able to block the sender’s number.
For Globe subscribers, follow these steps:
- Go to Globe’s #StopSPAM page.
- Upload a screenshot of the spam or scam text message containing the sender’s mobile number, message/call timestamp, and the full spam/scam message.
- Fill in the required information. (Phone number used by scammer, your Globe/TM mobile phone number, your email address).
- Click agree and the Recaptcha tag, and submit.
For Smart subscribers, take a screenshot of the message, provide the necessary details, and send an email to cybersecurityincidents@smart.com.ph or cybersecurityincidents@pldt.com.ph.
For DITO subscribers, you can report text scams through their hotline 185, email customerservice@dito.ph or privacymatters@dito.ph, or through the DITO Telecommunity Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also use the live chat feature in the DITO app to file your report.
That summarizes how you can report text scams in the Philippines. While they may not end soon (even if SIM registration is ongoing), we can make authorities aware of them so that these questionable phone numbers can be blocked in the future and prevent victimizing other people.
Article written by Allodia Romblon.