Awareness
SMS Scam Patterns in the Philippines
Common text message scam formats and how to identify them.
Common text message scam formats and how to identify them.
Congratulations scams: "You won PHP 500,000 from Globe/Smart! Claim now at [link]." No legitimate telco runs prize draws via random SMS. These messages aim to collect your personal information or install malware.
Banking alerts: "Your BDO/BPI account has been suspended. Verify at [link]." Real banks never send account links via SMS. If you are concerned, open your banking app directly or call the official hotline.
Job offer scams: "Earn PHP 5,000/day working from home! Reply YES to start." These often lead to advance fee fraud (you pay a "training fee" and never hear back) or money mule schemes that make you an unwitting accomplice.
Delivery scams: "Your Shopee/Lazada package is held. Pay PHP 99 delivery fee at [link]." Legitimate delivery services will never ask for payment via random SMS links. Always track packages through the official app.