SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA)—In response to the surge in text scams during the holiday season, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Region 1 is intensifying its efforts to safeguard the public through comprehensive awareness campaigns and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders.
During a radio interview on the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) La Union’s Tugstugan at Balitaan radio program over MyFM 104.3 last Dec. 18, Atty. Ana Minelle Maningding, Legal Officer of NTC Region 1, highlighted a new text scam scheme wherein scammers use devices in moving vehicles to harvest cellphone numbers.
These numbers are then targeted with fraudulent messages containing seemingly legitimate links designed to steal personal information.
To address this growing concern, the NTC is ramping up its information dissemination initiatives through local media outlets, online platforms, and community partnerships, educating citizens on recognizing scam tactics and avoiding unsolicited links.
E-wallet providers GCash and Maya have partnered with the NTC to warn users about fraudulent schemes and enhance their security systems to prevent misuse.
Additionally, the NTC is coordinating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to monitor scam activities and strengthen cybersecurity measures.
The campaign outlined ways to combat the “12 Scams of Christmas,” including:
- Calling the 1326 hotline for online scam victims;
- Reporting scams and consumer complaints via the eGov Super App;
- Contacting 0920-964-DOTr (3687) for commuter complaints;
- Using the SEC Check App to verify investment offers;
- Checking the NTC seal of registration for legitimate websites;
- Downloading the Whoscall Anti-Scam App for device protection; and
- Following the four “Kontra Scam Attitudes” promoted by Scam Watch Pilipinas.
Maningding assured the public that these collaborative efforts aim to protect the integrity of the digital financial ecosystem as well as individual users.
In addition to these immediate measures, the NTC Region 1 is advocating for long-term solutions, such as strengthening SIM registration laws and promoting digital literacy programs, to mitigate future risks.
“This Christmas season, we remind everyone to be extra cautious. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, and vigilance is key,” said Maningding.
Through these proactive measures, the NTC Region 1 aims to create a safer communication environment, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in addressing digital threats.
The public is urged to report scam calls and messages immediately through their website at ntc.gov.ph or by calling their hotline at 1682.
Prompt reporting helps protect others and supports efforts to combat fraudulent activities.
Scam calls and messages in the Philippines surged by 200 percent in the first eight months of 2024 compared to last year, according to Whoscall.
From January 1 to August 15, 2024, over 3 million text scams and 320,000 scam calls were reported, along with millions of spam messages and calls.
This increase highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and public awareness.(CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)
