Globe implements SIM data verification

Globe Telecom Inc. is now eliminating scam-linked SIMs through its improved validation process of SIM registration data.

The telco aims to complete validation of over 61.4 million registered users by the end of 2024.

The continuing prevalence of scam and spam messages could be linked to either black market SIMs registered under false identities or legitimate SIMs repurposed for criminal use, says
Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.

Even validly registered SIMs can become tools for illicit activities, he acknowledged.

“These scam messages that continue to spread could be from SIMs obtained in the black market with false identities or else legitimate SIMs used as mules. There is a market for selling or loaning legitimately registered SIMs that could be used as mules in criminal activity. Our hope is that with the validation process of SIM registration data through our upgraded platform, we will be able to deactivate these scam-linked SIMs,” Bonifacio elaborated.

WIth its enhanced SIM registration platform, Globe can verify SIM registration data in 24 hours.

Data shows that the number of spam and scam messages blocked by Globe doubled in 2023, the first full year of SIM registration, at 5.48 billion, compared to 2.7 billion recorded the year before.

However, the public should remain vigilant, the telco underscored.

They should never respond to or engage with unknown callers and SMS senders,. They should also install spam filters in their mobile devices.

Customers can report spam and scam messages they receive via Globe’s #StopSpam portal. Globe’s 24/7 Security Operations Center also continues to block unwanted messages.

Globe warns vs spam & scam in chat apps

Globe Telecom Inc. today renewed its call on customers to be vigilant against unwanted messages from unknown numbers via over-the-top (OTT) media services or chat apps.

This, amid reports of rising cases in the wake of stricter SMS regulation through the SIM Registration Act. 

Fraudsters have apparently turned to using OTT services to evade telco network’s spam filters, with many using foreign numbers, says Anton Reynaldo Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer.

“OTT messages are not SIM-based and do not pass through telco networks. Therefore, we have no control over them,” he noted.

“But what Globe can do is once we confirm that an OTT account associated with a Globe number has been used for fraud, we deactivate this SIM. It is important to note that many OTT accounts targeting Philippine mobile users use foreign SIMs, which are outside the scope of Philippine telcos.”

“This is why it is important for customers that use OTT services to be more vigilant,” Bonifacio warned.

‘Never engage with chat messages from numbers they do not know, including those making various offers. Please block these numbers and report them to the chat app you’re using.” 

Globe has been at the forefront of industry efforts to combat spam and scam messages, working with government agencies and various private sector partners to step up efforts against fraud within areas under its control.

As part of its vigorous proactive spam blocking, Globe was the first telco to block all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network in September 2022, a measure enforced industry-wide last month by the National Telecommunications Commission.

By the end of September this year, Globe had blocked a total of 2.59 billion spam and scam messages, deactivated 4,733 SIMs, and blacklisted 150,287 linked to SMS fraud. Globe deactivates SIMS from its own network linked to fraud and blacklists numbers from other networks to stop them from sending SMS to Globe SIMs.

Globe also runs a 24/7 Security Operations Center to filter out unwanted messages from international and local numbers. It has invested a total $20 million to enhance its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking mechanisms.

Customers are encouraged to activate spam filters in their devices and also report unwanted SMS via Globe’s #StopSpam portal.