NTC orders telcos to warn public vs. text scams

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered telecommunications companies to issue alerts against spam text messages that offer jobs with high rates.

In an advisory issued Friday,  the NTC instructed telco firms Globe, Smart and DITO  to send text blasts to their subscribers from May 28 to June 4, 2022 with the message: “Babala: Huwag pong maniwala sa text na naga-alok ng trabaho na may pangako ng malaking sweldo, ito po ay scam.”

The telcos have until June 8, 2022, to submit their respective compliance report, the commission said.

The NTC also directed its regional directors and officers-in-charge to appear before local radio and television stations to advise the public against the fraudulent text scams from May 28 to June 11, 2022. They have until June 15, 2022 to submit their compliance report.

Earlier, technology experts warned against the spam messages, saying scammers send them with the objective to obtain the personal details of their victims.

In April this year, President Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the measure seeking the mandatory registration of all SIM cards and social media accounts, saying it needs further study.

The bill seeks to put an end to electronic and mobile phone-aided criminal activities and text scams, and guarantee a safer and more secure mobile phone and cyberspace use in the country.—LDF, GMA News