PLDT INC. said its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. blocked nearly 1 billion scam and phishing-related text messages in the first quarter.
鈥淪cammers are exploiting devices that imitate legitimate cell towers to send fraudulent messages directly to nearby phones. This is why we continue to strengthen our network defenses while working closely with government partners to help protect our customers,鈥 PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo G. Jimenez, Jr. said in a press release on Sunday.
In total, Smart Communications said it blocked 955 million text messages linked to scam and phishing activities in the first quarter alone.
It also blacklisted 200,000 mobile numbers tied to fraudulent activity from its network.
Smart Communications and its value brand TNT launched anti-text scam awareness videos to support government efforts against fraudulent activity.
PLDT and Smart warned that scam texts often create a false sense of urgency, claiming that a consumer鈥檚 account will be suspended, reward points are about to expire, or offering prizes and exclusive deals to entice recipients to click embedded links.
Smart is the wireless unit of PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in 大象传媒 through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. 鈥 Ashley Erika O. Jose
