DICT: Text scams may be from overseas sources

The text scams you have been receiving may be coming from sources outside of the country, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said.

File photo: DICT logo

Text scams coming from outside sources?

Meron na kaming leads kung saan talaga ito nangyayari. Ang theory namin dito ay hindi ho ito local. Nagkataon lang na ang sistema is parang automated, DICT Undersecretary Alexander Ramos said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has started its investigation into the proliferation of scam text messages, which now even contain the real name of the users.

NPC deputy commissioner Leandro Aguirre told Senators that scammers may have obtained the data they are using from payment applications and messaging applications.

According to a report by GMA News Online, Ramos said that the DICT is already coordinating with international counterparts to track the possible sources of the text scams.

He said that this is not only happening in the Philippines but is also being experienced in other

countries which is why a bigger investigation is needed to determine the sources.

Ramos also said the National Privacy Commission had already investigated if there were servers hacked. However, nothing was found, he noted.

To further intensify efforts to trace the sources of these texts, authorities are looking into those buying SIM cards in bulk.

Isa 'yan sa paraan sa pag-trace sa pinag-orderan ng telco companies, na produce [nila] ang listahan kung sino ang mga individual o mga dealer… Isa 'yan sa mga leads natin sa direksyon kung saan nagagamit itong SIM cards na t'o," Ramos said.

The government urged once again telecommunication companies to issue text blasts warning their users against text scams, which now even contain the user’s name.

Telcos were also directed to accelerate the process of blocking SIM cards being used to execute these illegal activities.

Have you been receiving these kinds of texts? Here’s how you can protect yourself.

Via: GMA News Online