“Fake cell towers bypass the network infrastructure of telco companies. These illegal devices can send scam texts directly to mobile users. They also have the capability to mask sender identification to make phishing messages appear as if they were sent by legitimate companies like mobile network operators or banks,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and Head of Regulatory Affairs at Smart and Private Sector Board Member to the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC).
 
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) had suspected criminals of using these fake cell towers to evade cybersecurity tools set by wireless carriers. Mimicking actual cell towers, the illegal devices can trick mobile phones to latch on to it, allowing criminals to push malicious messages straight to unsuspecting mobile users. These unwanted messages often come with a link that leads to a phishing website designed to steal the victim’s personal data.
 
A recent joint operation by the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group, the CICC, the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) nabbed a foreign national believed to be the leader of a syndicate that sells fake cell towers in the country.
 
For its part, Smart has beefed up its cyber defenses with the deployment of an advanced network firewall that filters out SMShes or phishing text messages. It has also activated its anti-text scam platform called the Smart HuliScam portal where customers can report scam texts and other suspicious activities. It also helps customers become adept at identifying malicious messages through the company’s intensified #BeCyberSmart awareness campaign.
 
Smart continues to collaborate with key government agencies to further protect its customers from fraudulent activities. It cooperates with law enforcement agencies in the investigation of and operations against mobile technology-aided crimes, particularly text scams.
 
Smart encourages customers to report suspicious messages via its HuliScam portal at https://smart.com.ph/HuliScam. Fraudulent SIM numbers are promptly blocked following verification.
 
Subscribers may also report scams to Smart’s verified social media channels—Smart Communications on Facebook and @SMARTCares on X—or by calling hotline *888.