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| (Image Source: Adobo Magazine/Globe Telecom) |
As part of its advocacy to #MakeITSafePH and protect customers from suspected scammers and spammers, Globe Telecom cautions them not to give their one-time PIN (OTP) - even when offered a prize or promo - and immediately report suspicious calls and texts to https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam.html.
The company reiterated this reminded amid issues related to over-the-top (OTT) media services in the past few months. In this modus operandi, fraudsters sign up to a media service through a random Globe Postpaid mobile number. They then send SMS to a number posing as a Globe representative to inform the customer that they have won prizes such as cellphones and motorcycles. The customer is then asked for his/her OTP generated from signing up. Once the customer sends the OTP, the scammers complete the signup and the former is billed for the subscription. This is a form of 'smishing' wherein attackers send text messages pretending to represent reputable companies to trick a person into revealing one's personal information.
Globe has been sending regular SMS blasts to all customers in the past few months to warn them of the ongoing scam. It has also been active on its social media platform Globe Icon to inform the public on how to detect scammers. The company has also been helping customers resolve wrongful charges. It also shared the following details on how to spot a scam or spam message.
• The sender is an 11-digit number. Official Globe advisories come only from a 4-digit or alphanumeric sender code.
• There is a deliberate capitalization of certain letters and grammatical and spelling errors in the message.
• The text message requests for personal information, e.g., name, age, and address in exchange for raffle prizes.
• The sender requests for OTP or one-time pin, password, or PIN. Globe and other legitimate institutions will never request for a password or OTP, so they should never be shared with anyone.
Customers can also reach out to Globe through several channels to report fraudulent activities including @globeph on Facebook, @talk2GLOBE on Twitter and the GlobeOne mobile app.
#MakeITSafePH is part of Globe Telecom's broader campaign to keep customers safe online and promote the responsible use of technology. Its flagship Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) educates the youth on digital citizenship and prevents online abuse. DTP modules were transformed into easily accessible e-modules available online to reach more internet users as more people are starting to rely on the Internet and digital tools for their daily lives. The DTP has been integrated by the Department of Education (DepEd) into the K-12 curriculum to bolster the agency's existing modules around digital literacy. There is also support for the #SaferKidsPH campaign which looks to maximize awareness on protection measures when it comes to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
“The shift to a more digital lifestyle amid restrictions makes vigilance all the more important, since fraudsters are adapting to this reality and are looking for avenues to hoodwink customers. As a connectivity enabler, Globe has been working closely with its partners to deter these illegal acts, and the cooperation of our customers is crucial since their awareness is the first line of defense,” said Globe Chief Information Security Officer Anton Bonifacio. “As a company that connects many Filipinos, it is our responsibility and commitment to protect our customers and keep every aspect of our business safe and secure from all forms of criminality. We are always on the lookout for the latest schemes so we can apprise the public and importantly, find ways to combat these,” Bonifacio added.
