Call and text scams

They can steal your most precious secrets without being anywhere near you.

Scammers victimizing people via text messages has become a pervasive issue in the Philippines as they exploit the rapid growth of mobile technology and the internet.

Millions of Filipinos depend on mobile phones for crucial activities —from communication with loved ones to online banking and accessing essential services. Scammers have discovered a ripe environment in which to execute their malicious schemes.

Scammers often pose as reputable organizations or government agencies, which creates a false sense of credibility. The schemes make it hard for individuals to recognize the true nature of the communication.

Scammers also send phishing texts that appear to be from banks or other financial institutions. They ask recipients to verify their account information or reset passwords via a link which leads them to fake websites designed to steal their personal information.

Often, victims receive messages claiming they had won a lottery or contest they did not enter. They are asked to provide personal information or pay a fee to claim the prize, which is the scam.

Another common scam involves text messages that appear to be from delivery services requesting confirmation of details. These messages may include links that lead to phishing sites or that install malware on the recipient’s device.

Scams can also occur through calls. Several times, I answered a call without checking the number first, and the call disconnected every time I said, “Hello.” Upon checking the number, I found that it was from Lithuania.

I quickly searched the internet for information about “Lithuania calls.” My findings revealed that it was a one-ring call scam, similar to a call I received from Nigeria many years ago. The scam is aimed at getting me to return the call, resulting in additional charges, which I never did. Now, I ignore any calls that display “Lithuania” on the caller ID and have advised my daughter to do the same.

I received a call twice from a male caller with a distinct Arab accent who identified himself as from the TRIBUNE. I do not know anyone from the TRIBUNE with such a heavy accent, so I chose not to respond. Why would the TRIBUNE call and ask me to confirm my identity? I ended up blocking the number.

Despite implementing the SIM Card Registration Act in 2022, which aimed to mitigate fraudulent activities by ensuring that all SIM cards are registered under verified identities, the problem persists.

The recent resolution filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian seeking an inquiry into the ongoing proliferation of text scams, despite the enactment of the SIM Card Registration Act, is a welcome move.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 1324, Gatchalian stressed the need to strengthen cybersecurity to combat scammers. However, the lawmaker opposes in-person SIM card registration proposals, citing the inconvenience it would cause consumers.

While legislative measures have been taken, they may not be sufficient. The escalation of text and call scams underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity and verification processes.

The National Telecommunications Commission is considering amendments to the existing legislation, focusing on tightening registration rules without further complicating access for ordinary citizens.

Public awareness is another crucial factor in combating text scams. Many individuals may not recognize the subtle tactics employed by scammers, which makes education and information dissemination vital.

Boxing the issue of call and text scams solely as a legislative challenge fails to account for the human element involved; individuals must be equipped with the knowledge to recognize, avoid, and report scams.

For feedback, text to 09451450681 or email at cynchdb@gmail.com.