Globe Telecom Inc. has reported blocking 2.2 billion text spam and scam messages in the first half of the year, and expects that number to decline with the full implementation of the subscriber identity module (SIM) registration.
In a statement, Globe said the messages it blocked six months into the year represent a nearly four-fold increase from the 615.01 million logged in the same period last year.
The figure is also closely approaching the 2022 full-year record of 2.72 billion blocked messages.
Unscrupulous persons commonly use scams and spam text messages to gain access or procure personal information from mobile users, Globe noted.
This access to sensitive information allows cyberhackers to take control of online accounts, resulting in significant financial losses as they siphon out money from the victims’ banks or e-wallet accounts.
“At Globe, we’re unwavering in our dedication to bolster the government’s fight against cybercrime. Our significant investments in advanced filtering systems and our intensified campaign to block scam and spam messages is a testament to our promise of providing secure and reliable communication services to our customers,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s chief information security officer.
In response to the rising number of crimes and spam text messages, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11934 or the SIM Registration Act last year.
The period of registration ended on July 25 for SIMs in use before the law was enacted. All new SIMs must also be registered before being activated.
As the law goes into full effect and with a SIM database now in place, Globe hopes to see an eventual decline in the number of spam and scam messages sent out, even as it called on customers to remain vigilant as fraudsters are known to devise new ways to pull off their criminal schemes.
