GLOBE has noted a significant decrease in blocked spam SMS messages during the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year, indicating a notable migration of fraudulent activities to other platforms as scammers adapt to evade anti-fraud measures.
In Q2 2024, Globe intercepted 235,998,731 spam SMS messages, marking a substantial decline from 1,104,502,921 messages blocked in Q2 2023—a 79% year-on-year decrease.
The decline in blocked spam SMS messages has continued through 2024, with a 35% reduction from 362,773,894 messages blocked in Q1 2024 to Q2 2024.
Supporting this trend, reports of deactivated SIMs via Globe’s #StopScam portal dropped from 4,054 in April-June 2023 to 504 in the same period of 2024—a significant 88% decrease year-on-year. From Q1 to Q2 2024, deactivated numbers decreased by 40%, totaling 841 in the first quarter and 504 in the second quarter.
Similarly, the number of blacklisted numbers from competitor networks decreased from 31,078 in Q2 2023 to 11,026 in Q2 2024—a 65% reduction year-on-year and a 70% decrease from Q1 2024’s total of 36,549.
Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer and Chief AI Officer, commented, “We have observed a consistent decline in spam SMS passing through our cellular network, thanks to stringent filtering systems that include blocking person-to-person SMS with links.”
He emphasized, “We advise our customers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with any unsolicited messages, whether through SMS or chat apps, especially those offering dubious deals.”
Evolving Scam Tactics
While these figures underscore the efficacy of Globe’s current spam filters, they also highlight scammers’ adoption of tactics that bypass cellular networks.
Spoofed SMS poses an increasing threat, evading telecom spam filters by impersonating SMS channels. This technique, using IMSI catchers or fake cell towers, intercepts mobile communications within a specific radius to send spoofed SMS messages directly to phones, circumventing telco filters.
Fraudsters are also turning to over-the-top media services, chat apps, Rich Communication Services (RCS) for Android users, and other internet-based messaging platforms. These methods allow them to target users using foreign numbers or email addresses, bypassing traditional cellular networks entirely.
“As we strengthen defenses against spam SMS, scammers are evolving their methods,” said Bonifacio. “Globe remains committed to staying ahead of these threats by enhancing security protocols across all channels to protect our customers’ trust in our services.”
The company is intensifying efforts against fraud by deploying advanced network probes to detect and neutralize IMSI catchers and fake base stations, as well as proactively blocking SMS containing suspicious links.
To bolster its cybersecurity framework further, Globe continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships, ensuring robust protection against emerging threats for its customers.
In line with its commitment to customer security, Globe urges users to report any suspicious messages or activities through the #StopSpam portal and educates them on safe digital practices to prevent falling victim to scams. (Press Release)
