Smart, NTC collaborate vs use of fake cell towers

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Communications Inc., PLDT’s wireless unit, is working with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to address the use of fake cell towers in perpetuating text scams.

The collaboration is meant to curb the exploitation of fake cell towers in fraudulent schemes, to ensure the safety of mobile subscribers.

“Collaborating with industry partners like Smart is key to addressing these threats. We remain focused on identifying and neutralizing schemes that exploit technology to defraud the public,” NTC commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez said.

According to Smart, fake cell towers mimic legitimate cell towers, enabling scammers to capture mobile numbers and send phishing messages.

Smart said that these fraudulent texts often appear legitimate, luring recipients into clicking links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive information.

“Smart has fortified its defenses against text scams by enhancing its advanced firewall systems, which effectively filter out SMS containing malicious links,” Smart first vice president and head of regulatory affairs Roy Ibay said.

“However, some criminals have turned to fake cell towers to bypass telco networks, directly connecting to subscribers’ devices to send unsolicited and deceptive messages,” he said.

Smart is actively collaborating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to combat scams, supporting investigations, apprehensions and prosecution of those involved in illegal activities.

The company is also encouraging subscribers to aid in the fight against text scams by reporting suspicious messages through its HULISCAM portal.

It said that subscribers can provide details such as the sender’s mobile number or alphanumeric identifier, the message content, the date received and the recipient’s location.

Fraudulent SIM numbers are promptly blocked following verification.