Globe backs call for Senate probe vs. spoofing devices

A resolution has been filed in the Senate.

Sample spoofing text

Text scams continue

Globe has expressed its support for the Senate proposal to investigate the illegal trade of devices used for spoofing or SMS hijacking, a fraud scheme behind the proliferation of scam texts that evade telco networks.

Sen. Mark Villar filed the relevant resolution that seeks an inquiry on the trade of International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers, which allow fraudsters to send out malicious SMS in the guise of legitimate sender IDs. These portable devices serve as fake cell towers that enable SMS sending outside telco networks.

Globe has been working with government agencies to curb spoofing by cutting off the imported supply of IMSI catchers in the country.

We have high hopes that through this Senate probe, we’d be able to address the root of the problem: the illegal trade of IMSI catchers in the country, said Atty. Froilan Castelo, Globe’s General Counsel.

Globe said it is ready to provide technical expertise and support to the Senate panel as needed.

Fraudsters have used IMSI catchers to impersonate Globe’s official sender ID, duping customers with fake Globe Rewards claims and other unauthorized messages. To address this, the telco has been filtering out all person-to-person SMS with links and enforcing stringent regulations on app-to-person SMS with URLs.

Unfortunately, the new method of scammers such as using IMSI catchers goes directly to the device and does not pass through the network anymore. Globe said it looking at more advanced technologies that might help address this issue.

Globe reminds the public to stay vigilant against suspicious text messages, including those that seem to come from legitimate sources.

REMEMBER! Globe does not include clickable links in its official text advisories.

Customers who receive scam SMS are encouraged to report them through Globe’s #StopSpam portal.

What do you think guys?