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Text scams continue despite SIM registration, DICT admits

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Jekki Pascual

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) admitted that text scams or scam messages still exist even with the passing of the SIM Registration law.</p><p>Speaking to ABS-CBN News, DICT Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato ‘Aboy’ Paraiso said scammers have become more creative as they circumvent the law. </p><p>He explained some scammers have now shifted to messaging apps, instead of the usual SMS or text messages. </p><p>“Hindi natin na foresee that mga scammers na ito would adapt. [With] SIM card registration, ginagamit nila imbes na mga text, ginagamit na nila mga OTP ‘over the top’ services which is Viber, Messenger,” Paraiso said. </p><p>(We didn’t foresee that scammers would adapt. With the SIM Card registration, instead of using text messages, they shifted to OTP or ‘over the top’ services like Viber and Messenger.)</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8si1Xi0mu_s?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>He added that some scammers now also use foreign SIMs because of the SIM registration law in the Philippines. But for those still receiving messages on the traditional messages service, Asec. Paraiso revealed that some scammers are using a special gadget to send text blasts in a particular area. </p><p>“These scammers are using what we call an IMSI. It’s a portable device wherein pwede ka mag text blast na hindi na kailangan ng SIM card. Hindi na ito dumadaan sa telcos,” he said. </p><p>The DICT now plans to work with lawmakers, government agencies and other stakeholders to help come up with new and future-proof policies on cybersecurity. He said criminals may again circumvent a law if it is not properly planned. </p><p>The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) said they have also received reports that even unregistered SIM cards remain usable and have in fact been used in scams, like unregistered SIM receiving online bank transaction messages. CICC has asked at least one telco to explain. </p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Xj0eZEUEWE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>“We have been receiving a litany of complaints from the public that they continue to receive unwanted text messages either offering them loans, online gambling, cryptocurrency investments and job offers from unknown persons,” said CICC Executive Director Usec. Alexander Ramos. </p><p>Ramos added that organized cybercrime syndicates have been using unregistered SIM cards and SIM cards with stolen identities to send scam or fraudulent messages. He also appealed to victims of scams to report to them immediately and call hotline 1326.</p>

<p>Some scammers have shifted to messaging apps, instead of the usual SMS or text messages.</p>

Some scammers have shifted to messaging apps, instead of the usual SMS or text messages.