Globe reiterates public warning against SMS spoofing, calls for increased vigilance

Globe renews its call for the public to exercise vigilance against SMS spoofing, a sophisticated scam tactic that has seen a resurgence in recent months, with fraudsters using names of reputable organizations to take advantage of customers’ trust.

Spoofing involves fraudsters impersonating legitimate SMS sender IDs, including Globe and other organizations, to trick recipients into believing that the messages are authentic. This technique has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in Metro Manila, despite the implementation of SIM registration last year aimed at curbing SMS fraud.

Customers have reported receiving spoofed messages that mimic Globe's sender ID, enticing them with fraudulent links or else hooking them with claims of account problems. These deceptive messages aim to steal personal and sensitive information, which can grant scammers access to online accounts such as social media profiles, e-wallets, and bank accounts.

Globe warns customers vs fraudsters pretending to be NTC officials

Globe is warning its customers against a new vishing or voice phishing scam where fraudsters pretend to be officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

In this new scheme, scammers call potential victims claiming that their phone number has been linked to illegal activities. The fraudsters would then extort money from their targets, threatening to arrest them if they do not cooperate.

“Criminals prey on our natural respect for authority, using it as a weapon to deceive and manipulate. This is what we see in this new scam modus, where fraudsters pretend to be NTC officials. We call on our customers to be very vigilant and do not fall victim to these scammers,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer.

Where are all the scam and spam messages coming from?

Here's what you need to know

Lately, you've probably been receiving spam or scam texts. This, even while telcos like Globe have ramped up security measures to block these messages. So, where are all these scam texts coming from, and how are they evading detection? Here's what you need to know.

The Shift in Scam Tactics

Scammers are now bypassing traditional cellular networks by using internet-based messaging platforms. This shift began after telcos like Globe started blocking all person-to-person SMS with links in September 2022 and then restricted app-to-person SMS.

The crackdown on traditional SMS scams has pushed fraudsters to seek alternative methods and they’ve found ways to get around telco filters.

Globe calls on customers to keep their SIM registration updated Edit feature available on SIM registration platform

Globe reminds its customers to remain compliant with the SIM Registration Act by keeping their data up to date in its online SIM registration platform in case some of their details have changed since they first registered their SIM.

The SIM Registration Act, enacted in December 2022, mandates the registration of all SIMs to enhance public safety and security by serving as a deterrent against SIM-aided criminal activity.

The law requires SIM users to register using correct and complete details, including the submission of a verifiable photo ID. Customers may easily update their registration details as needed:

• Change in residential address
• Change in last name after getting married or legally changing it.
• Updated valid government ID

"We understand that life circumstances may change, and it's essential for customers to reflect those changes in their SIM registration information," said Darius Delgado, Globe Vice President and Head of Consumer Mobile Business. "Our goal is to make the update process as convenient as possible, ensuring that they remain compliant with the law while minimizing any potential disruptions to their mobile services."

Is your online lover too good to be true? Know the red flags of a love scammer

Dating in the digital age has become easier with so many apps and services to choose from. By the end of 2023, it was reported that 441 million people were using dating apps actively, generating around $8.7 billion in revenues globally through matchmaking services.

The appeal of dating apps is that you’re not limited by geography. You can meet people online in your city or in another country; you get to see how they look like from their profiles; find out their interests; and if you begin chatting, you can judge if you’re compatible enough to go on a first date.

Many Filipinos have fallen victim to romance scams, among other fakery proliferating online. Now there’s a Facebook page that crowdsources information and experiences so that you can be more aware about scams. Called Online Alerto, it’s a Facebook community page dedicated to the dissemination of invaluable insights, resources, and strategies related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and responsible online behavior.

Are you being spoofed? Here are telltale signs

Blink and you'll miss

Is your mobile phone being spoofed? There are signs, and you have just seconds to spot them.

Recents months have seen the rise of spoofing, a scamming method where fraudsters pretend to be your trusted brand and send you SMS geared towards collecting your sensitive information without your knowledge.

Spoofing uses a devious device called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher or fake base station, which can be toted around or mounted in vehicles to mess with mobile users within a 2-kilometer radius. The IMSI catcher downgrades your signal to 2G via their faux network, allowing fraudsters to send you messages that look like legit messages from well-known brands, yet are anything but.

Globe warns vs spoofed messages for Rewards claims Redeem Globe Rewards via GlobeOne app

Globe has called on the public to be extra vigilant and never engage with text messages with links directing customers to click to redeem Globe Rewards, as these are scam SMS sent out by fraudsters via spoofing.

Customers have reported receiving spoofed messages impersonating Globe’s sender ID, inviting them to click dubious links supposedly to claim their Globe Rewards.  These malicious links are meant to steal personal information, including credit card details.

Fraudsters are apparently taking advantage of Globe’s push for customers to claim their Rewards before the expiry on March 31, 2024.

All official SMS from Globe do not contain links.

“We call on our customers to please never click on links in SMS pretending to be from Globe. Any text message containing a link from supposed sender ID “Globe” is a fraudulent message done via spoofing. Globe will never send an official advisory with links. Do not fall for enticing offers in these scam messages,” said Darius Delgado, Globe Vice President and Head of Consumer Mobile Business.

He reminded customers that Globe Rewards may only be claimed via one platform: the GlobeOne app.

“Globe Rewards points may only be redeemed via the GlobeOne app. We’d like to encourage our customers to use this official platform, as this is the only place where they can claim rewards,” he said.

Globe warns public vs scams anew as fraudsters shift to new methods amid SIM registration law, telco blocking

Globe reiterates its call for the public to exercise extra vigilance as law enforcers warned of a fresh rise in online and text fraud.

Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer, said fraudsters are finding new ways to bait potential victims to circumvent the SIM Registration Act and sustained industry efforts to block spam and scam SMS.

Because of Globe’s tighter regulations, Bonifacio said scammers are increasingly shifting to over-the-top (OTT) media services such as chat apps and spoofing, or the use of illegal devices to trick customer phones, all of which operate outside the scope of telcos.

“As much as we improve our filtering systems and enhance the implementation of the SIM Registration Act, fraudsters continue to find new ways to make victims out of mobile and internet users. We would like to reiterate our appeal to the public: please, please never engage with unsolicited calls, texts or chat messages and never give your personal details to strangers,” said Bonifacio.