Philippines' Globe Telecom Inc. stepped up its crackdown on phone scams and spam text messages in the first quarter of 2024, blocking a total of 36,549 Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, a 62% increase from the same period last year. This is an initiative taken by the company to protect consumers from the threat of online fraud.

During this period, Globe blocked a total of 841 SIM cards belonging to its own network that were identified as potential sources of spam or scam text messages, a 30% increase from 647 in the first quarter of 2023.

Given the risks to personal and financial information that SIM cards can pose, Globe calls on customers to remain vigilant and take steps such as avoiding clicking on unfamiliar links and ignoring requests for personal details or one-time PINs. In addition, Globe also cooperates with multiple industries, including banks, online stores, and government agencies, to share threat intelligence and jointly prevent online fraud.

Globe will continue to promote its cybersecurity measures and strengthen protection measures through technology upgrades and industry cooperation to ensure the safety of users in the digital space. The company also reminded customers to promptly report any suspicious activity through its “Stop Spam” portal or by contacting the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group to report fraud cases.