Globe has taken action regarding the Benhur Abalos Jr. spoofing incident

To recap, former MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. warned the public to ignore messages from his spoofed cellphone number last May 8.

MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos Jr.

Globe secured his account immediately

Messages using the mobile number of Chairman Abalos were being sent indiscriminately. Abalos said in a Facebook post that he requested that his mobile number be suspended.

Globe has taken immediate action to what happened and ensured the security of his account.

To those who do not know, phone number spoofing allows scammers to trick individuals to believe they are receiving calls or messages from a particular number in disguise to entice them to fall for their malicious motivations.

You may read the full statement of Globe below:

Globe received a report on May 8 that the mobile number of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. was spoofed. Messages using the mobile number of Chairman Abalos were being sent indiscriminately.  

In a Facebook post, Abalos said he requested that his mobile number be suspended. Globe has taken immediate action to ensure the security of his account. 

Spoofing SMS messages is possible with the illegal use of cell broadcasters. Using base station technology, these devices can detect active cellphones within a certain range and directly transmit SMS messages via frequencies that are sent from the machine.

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has given limited authority to use cell broadcasters for alerts and warnings during disasters and emergencies only.   Unfortunately, these machines are being used illegally to spread disinformation. 

Globe reiterates its call on the public to be wary of messages originating from this illegal act, which targets legitimate mobile numbers to send out unauthorized SMS to multiple users. 

Globe has sought the assistance of the NTC and other law enforcement agencies to stop the illegal use of cell broadcasters.

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