TELECOM | Smart blocks 955 million scam texts in Q1
Smart and its value brand TNT recently launched anti-text scam awareness videos in support of the government’s campaign against mobile-enabled fraud.
Smart Communications Inc. said it blocked more than 955 million scam- and phishing-related text messages in the first quarter of 2026 as mobile fraud and signal hijacking schemes continued to target subscribers.
The telecommunications firm also blacklisted nearly 200,000 mobile numbers linked to fraudulent activities on its network during the same period.
“Scammers are exploiting devices that imitate legitimate cell towers to send fraudulent messages directly to nearby phones,” said Menardo ‘Butch’ Jimenez Jr., chief operating officer and head of network at PLDT Inc.. “This is why we continue to strengthen our network defenses while working closely with government partners to help protect our customers.”
Smart and its value brand TNT recently launched anti-text scam awareness videos in support of the government’s campaign against mobile-enabled fraud.
The company said fraudulent messages often create urgency by warning users that accounts may be suspended, rewards points are expiring, or credentials will be revoked. Other scams promise prizes or exclusive deals to lure recipients into clicking malicious links.
Smart also warned consumers about signal hijacking tactics involving IMSI catchers, or rogue base stations that impersonate legitimate cellular towers and send phishing messages directly to nearby phones.
According to the company, a sudden downgrade from 5G service to older mobile networks such as 2G before suspicious messages arrive may indicate the presence of fake cell towers.
Subscribers were advised not to click links in unsolicited messages and to report suspicious texts through Smart’s HULISCAM portal, verified social media accounts, or hotline.
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