Filipinos are constantly getting text scams and spam messages on their smartphones - ranging from winning some contest or sending out job offers. Are you also sick of these pesky mobile phone spam texts? One way to get them off your back is to report it to your telecommunications service provider.
Another way of getting rid of spam and scam text messages is to block them by assigning them to your phone's built-in number blocker or with the use of an app. However, those numbers remain functional and can still send to other numbers. Help eliminate spam and scam by reporting those numbers to NTC or to your respective telcos.
How to identify text scams
What to do when you receive a text scam
How to report a text scam
• Submit a report to NTC
• Submit a report to Smart
• Submit a report to Globe
Conclusion
Smishing and text scams are at an all-time high in the Philippines. Chances are, you've already been targeted. If so, then be sure to report it or become aware of what it entails to avoid being victimized by this type of scam! Read this article to find out how.
How to identify text scams
Smishing and text scams come in many different forms. One of the most common ones here in the Philippines is when someone you don't know sends out fake job offers, lucky winners, bonus cash, or any other form of fraudulent offer from an unknown number.
Recently, text scams have become much more personalized with the idea of including the name of the intended victim. Moreover, these scammers try to convince you by providing a link which you should never click on.
What to do when you receive a text scam
Ignore the text and don't engage the scammers who sent you this message. Don't go on any links they send you that could lead to a fake website designed to steal your information, infect you with malware, or compromise your social media accounts, bank account details, or even e-wallet apps. If possible take screenshots of these messages before deleting them.
How to report a text scam
Submit a report to NTC
1. Take a screenshot of the text scam.
2. Go to https://ntc.gov.ph/ and click on the Text Scam Complaints link.
3. Fill up the required information. You will be asked to upload a screenshot of the text scam as well as a photo or scanned image of a valid government-issued ID.
4. Click Submit. You should see a message that the report was successfully sent.
You can also email your concerns to kontratextscam@ntc.gov.ph. The email subject should be “Text Scam Complaint,” and should include your complete name, address, email, and contact number, along with the complained cellphone number. Also, attach a screenshot of the text scam and a photo or scanned image of your valid government-issued ID.NTC Consumer Hotline numbers:
- +632 8920 4464
- +632 8926 7722
- +632 8921 3251
Submit a report to Smart
If you’re a Smart subscriber, you may email your concerns to cybersecurityincidents@smart.com.ph. The telco has not yet shared guidelines on what to include in the email. At the moment, let’s assume the requirements will be similar to the others.The email should include:
- Your name, mobile phone number, and email address.
- A screenshot of the spam or scam text message. The screenshot should include the sender’s mobile number, the timestamp of the message/call, and the full spam/scam message.
Submit a report to Globe
For Globe subscribers, here’s how to report a spam or scam text message.1. Go to Globe’s #StopSPAM page (https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam.html).
2. Upload a screenshot of the scam text message. The screenshot should include the sender’s mobile number, the timestamp of the message/call, and the full spam/scam message.
3. Fill up the required information. (Sender’s mobile phone number, your Globe/TM mobile phone number, your email address).
4. Click agree and the Recaptchat tag, and Submit.
Conclusion
Our Guide on Reporting Text Scams tells you everything about how these scams work and how you can protect yourself from them. Make sure to share it with anyone who might be at risk for becoming a victim of these scammers!
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