Globe has noted a significant reduction in blocked spam SMS messages in Q2 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, indicating a clear shift of illicit activities to alternative channels as scammers adapt to evade anti-fraud measures.
In Q2 2024, Globe intercepted a total of 235,998,731 spam SMS messages, a marked decrease from the 1,104,502,921 messages blocked in Q2 2023. This represents a substantial 79% YoY decline.
The trend of declining blocked spam SMS messages in 2024 is evident, with a 35% decrease from 362,773,894 messages blocked in Q1 2024 compared to Q2 2024.
Supporting this trend, the number of deactivated SIMs reported via Globe’s #StopScam portal from April to June 2024 fell to 504 from 4,054 in the same period the previous year, marking an 88% YoY decrease.
Between Q1 and Q2 2024, the drop was 40%, with the first three months of 2024 recording 841 deactivated numbers. Deactivated numbers include SIMs within the Globe network.
Meanwhile, the total blacklisted numbers from competitor networks are also declining, albeit still substantial, from 31,078 in Q2 2023 to 11,026 in Q2 2024, indicating a 65% YoY reduction, and a 70% decrease from Q1 2024’s total of 36,549.
Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer and Chief AI Officer, stated, “We have observed a consistent decline in spam SMS– those that pass through the cellular network– as we continue to implement stringent filtering systems, including blocking person-to-person SMS with links.”
He added, “We reiterate our advice to our customers to remain vigilant and never engage with any unsolicited message they receive, whether via SMS or chat apps, particularly those with dubious offers.”
Changing Scam Tactics
While these figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Globe’s current spam filtering systems, they also highlight a change in scam tactics that evade cellular networks.
Currently, there is an increasing threat posed by spoofed SMS, a method that bypasses telecom networks’ spam filters, making detection and prevention particularly challenging.
Spoofing is a technique in which unscrupulous persons or groups impersonate SMS channels to lure unsuspecting victims into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links, potentially leading to financial losses or compromised data security.
Spoofed SMS uses International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catchers or fake cell towers. These devices simulate cell towers to intercept mobile communications within a certain radius, compelling phones to connect and receive spoofed SMS messages directly. These messages do not pass through the cellular network, hence evading telco filters.
Fraudsters are also shifting to over the top media services or chat apps, Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats for Android users, and other Internet-based messaging platforms to send messages to target users even while using foreign numbers or email addresses. These messages also do not pass through the cellular network.
Bonifacio said, "As we tighten our defenses against spam SMS, we are also aware that scammers are continuously evolving their methods. Globe is committed to staying ahead of these threats by enhancing our security protocols across all channels. Our goal is to protect our customers from fraud, ensuring their trust in our services remains unshaken.”
The company is stepping up its efforts to combat fraud by deploying advanced network probes to detect and neutralize IMSI catchers and fake base stations. It also continues to proactively block SMS with links.
To further bolster its cybersecurity framework, Globe continues to invest in state-of-the-art technologies and strategic partnerships, ensuring robust protection for its customers against emerging threats.
As part of its ongoing commitment to customer security, Globe urges its users to report any suspicious messages or activities to the #StopSpam portal. Globe also educates its customers on safe digital practices to further safeguard them from potential scams.
To learn more about Globe, visit Globe’s official website.
FAQs
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What is the trend in blocked spam SMS messages in 2024? There has been a significant decline in blocked spam SMS messages in 2024, with a 35% decrease from Q1 to Q2.
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What is spoofing and how does it pose a threat? Spoofing is a technique where unscrupulous persons or groups impersonate SMS channels to lure victims into sharing personal information or clicking on malicious links. It bypasses telecom networks’ spam filters, making detection and prevention challenging.
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What measures is Globe taking to combat fraud? Globe is deploying advanced network probes to detect and neutralize IMSI catchers and fake base stations. It also continues to proactively block SMS with links and invests in state-of-the-art technologies and strategic partnerships.
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How can customers report suspicious messages or activities? Customers can report any suspicious messages or activities to the #StopSpam portal.
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Where can I learn more about Globe? You can learn more about Globe by visiting their official website.