Smart Communications Inc. yesterday said it has blocked more than 2.3 million malicious text messages as it beefed up its network firewall.
Smart said in a statement it had also blocked more than one million mobile numbers engaged in suspicious activities from its network.
The company encourages customers to report suspicious messages through its HuliScam portal.
Smart added it also recently blocked a phishing website that tricks customers into sharing personal information.
Acting on reports about a suspicious message urging customers to click a malicious link to redeem “Smart points,” the telco said it quickly cut access to the copycat website and prevent customers from falling prey to the scam.
“Criminal syndicates have been using fake cell site devices to push scam messages directly to mobile subscribers. To make their messages believable, they spoof the sender to make it appear as if the SMS is legitimate and was sent by the mobile carrier. As a rule, Smart does not include or send clickable links either in person to person or official messages to its customers,” said Roy Ibay, Smart head of regulatory affairs.
The company explained recent modus dangles “Smart points” to customers that compel them to redeem the reward before it expires. The link leads to a website the harvests customers’ personal data. Smart denies that such a promo exists.
