Globe Telecom has revealed all the tactics employed by scammers to spread scam and spam text messages amid mandated SIM registration. Read on to know what are all these methods and how to stay vigilant.
You have likely been receiving spam or scam texts lately. This is despite the fact that telecommunications companies such as Globe have implemented more stringent security measures to prevent the proliferation of these messages. Therefore, where are these scam messages originating from, and how are they circumventing detection? That's the question that arises.
Scammers are currently utilizing internet-based messaging platforms to bypass conventional cellular networks. In September 2022, telcos such as Globe implemented a security measure that blocked all person-to-person SMS with links. Subsequently, they restricted app-to-person SMS. After this, the shift in scam tactics began.
Fraudsters have been compelled to pursue alternative methods by the crackdown on traditional SMS scams, and they have discovered ways to circumvent telco filters. To learn more, check out all fraudster's scamming methods below.
Internet-Based Messaging Platforms
Scammers are beginning to use internet-based messaging platforms to target mobile phone users in response to the enhanced security measures on SMS. Using these mobile applications, they are able to circumvent cellular networks and even utilize foreign mobile numbers. These platforms consist of:
- Over-the-top (OTT) media services or chat apps
- iMessage for Apple users
- Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats for Android users
To ensure your safety, refrain from clicking on or engaging with links in chat messages that contain suspicious content. Additionally, disregard unsolicited calls from unknown numbers, regardless of whether they are local or international.
SMS Spoofing
IMSI catchers, or fake cell towers, are an additional sophisticated tactic that fraudsters employ. In order to intercept mobile communications, these portable devices imitate genuine cell towers. Scammers can subsequently send messages through the 2G network using spoofed sender IDs, thereby presenting their messages as official communications from reputable and trustworthy sources.
Spoofed messages frequently entice you with alluring offers and subsequently direct you to malicious websites by instructing you to click on links. This is the method by which fraudsters acquire your information in order to gain access to your bank accounts or e-wallets.
Spoofing is a method that renders it exceedingly challenging for you to identify fraudulent activity. Globe has discontinued the use of links in its official customer advisories in order to assist its customers in distinguishing between genuine customer SMS and fake messages.
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Globe reminds users to stay informed and vigilant
Anton Bonifacio, Globe's Chief Information Security Officer and Chief AI Officer, noted that the recent influx of spam and scam messages is not filtered by telcos because they do not traverse the cellular network.
Bonifacio said:
Clever fraudsters continue to find ways to get around our security measures. As scammers adapt their tactics, it's crucial for you to be extra vigilant and stay informed.
So, you should always double-check the authenticity of text messages, particularly those that contain hyperlinks, and report any suspicious SMS to your mobile provider. Additionally, you have the option to activate the spam filter on your device.
You can help stop the spread of scam texts and keep yourself safe from fraud by being alert.
Globe proactively prevents spam and scam SMS and fraud-linked SIMs in its network to ensure your safety from scammers. Additionally, it maintains strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders and invests in the most recent technologies to enhance the protection of consumers from persistent threats.
If you receive any suspicious text message, you can file a report through Globe's Stop Spam portal (https://ift.tt/rxwGWbI).
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