Smart Communications Inc. asked its customers to avoid clicking links embedded in unwanted text or SMShing messages.
These links may lead to phishing web sites that steal users’ personal information, the company said.
Smart also sounded the alarm on criminals using ‘fake cell towers’ to bypass network defenses. The Philippine National Police had earlier called on the public to be more vigilant against text scams this holiday season.
Smart said criminals became more sophisticated as they use ‘fake cell towers’ that mimic legitimate cell towers to push messages directly to customers in an area.
These messages often induce alarm to trick victims into clicking the attached link.
They also have the capability to mask sender names or numbers to deceive victims into thinking they are receiving official messages from trusted sources.
Smart said fraudsters recently launched phishing attacks where they prompted victims to re-register their SIM or risk losing mobile service.
“We remind our customers that there is no need to register their Smart or TNT SIM if they have successfully registered before. We also ask the public that if you receive a text message with a URL or clickable web link that should be a red flag because telecom providers are not allowed to send out messages that contain these links,” said Roy Ibay, Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs.
Smart is working closely with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to curb the use of fake cell towers.
Smart is also collaborating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to address scams, support investigations, apprehensions and prosecutions of parties involved in scamming the public.
