Reminds public that new SIMs need to registered
After the full implementation of the SIM Registration Act, Globe reminds all new SIM users that they should go through the registration process. SIMs being bought in regular retail channels like sari-sari stores and online retailers are selling unregistered SIMs.
Earlier reports coming from PNP operatives reveal hundreds of SIMs in the possession of alleged criminal groups caught in various operations.
At the Senate hearing chaired by Sen. Grace Poe on September 5, 2023, Globe said it is aligned with the Senate’s intent to find out why malicious and dangerous text messages continue to find their way to mobile users’ phones despite the law and industry efforts to clamp down on fraudsters.
“Criminals will always find a way to circumvent the law. That’s why we continue to collaborate with stakeholders to be a step ahead. The SIM Registration Act, which gives teeth to our efforts against fraudsters, is a major initial step towards curbing cybercrime. To be effective, it needs multi-stakeholder efforts and beefed up law enforcement,” said Froilan Castelo, Globe Group General Counsel.
Globe warned the public against selling registered SIMs to other persons who may use these for fraudulent and illegal purposes, circumventing the SIM Registration Act. This comes amid reports of such transactions in the black market aiding fraud and other forms of cybercrime.
Globe will fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities and other relevant agencies to track down criminals behind this scheme.
“We would like to warn the public: Do not fall for offers to buy your registered SIMs or requests for you to bulk-register SIMs under your name for a fee. Only criminals will make you do this, and you will end up in trouble. Never allow them to turn you into unwitting accomplices in criminal activity,” Castelo said.
Recent raids that led to the bust of alleged pre-registered SIMs and the arrest of suspects is proof that the law is working. Globe commends law enforcement agencies for the timely operations against these syndicates and is ready to provide support in bringing those responsible to justice.
“We are ready to work with the government to verify registration information on pre-registered SIMs confiscated in raids, and to undertake proactive measures to prevent violations of the law. We are waiting to receive official communication from law enforcement authorities on these raids so we could promptly provide the necessary support,” said Castelo.
Following the end of the registration period for existing SIMs on July 25, 2023 and the 5- day grace period on July 30, 2023, Globe immediately completed the deactivation of unregistered SIMs.
Globe has also been pursuing a sustained effort against spam and scam messages through a well-established system of detection and SMS blocking. It runs a 24/7 Security Operations Center, fortified by investments of US$20 million for a stringent filtering infrastructure.
It also maintains a #StopSpam portal, where customers may report spam and scam messages they receive. Globe is ready to work with the government, particularly the Philippine National Police, to establish its own spam and scam reporting system where the public may lodge text-related fraud.
Globe is also the only telco that strictly blocks all person-to-person SMS with links, a measure introduced in September 2022. With this strict blocking protocol, Globe continues to reach record highs in its spam and scam SMS blocking, with 2.2 billion from January to June 2023 alone.
This figure is a nearly four-fold increase from the 615.01 million it logged in the same period last year, and is closely approaching the 2022 full-year record of 2.72 billion blocked messages.
Globe regularly releases public warnings and instructional videos on how customers can better protect themselves via available reporting tools.
To report spam and scam SMS, access the #StopScam portal here. To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.
