Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) warns the public that scammers use ‘fake cell towers’ to send text scams to mobile users, and even use ‘Smart’ as the sender name. Smart adds that these devices are able to lock on to mobile phones within a specified radius, enabling the scammers to push messages directly to subscribers’ devices without having to go through its network.
“Our investigation did not find any evidence that these malicious text messages passed through our network. The illegal ‘cell site simulators’ can also spoof or mimic mobile numbers to deceive subscribers into thinking that they’re receiving legitimate text messages,” said Cathy Yang, FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications, PLDT and Smart.
While cell site simulators are typically used in disaster-stricken areas as temporary emergency communication platforms, Smart says there is a need for government oversight on the legitimate use of these devices. Smart is working with the government to regulate the use and importation of these types of illegal devices. Smart has also engaged the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) for collaborative efforts to fight SMShing and other similar fraudulent activities that include the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of scammers.
A few Smart subscribers had recently reported receiving text messages supposedly coming from Smart about expiring rewards points. Upon investigating, Smart discovered that the link included in the fraudulent SMS led to a fake Smart website that asked for payment to redeem the rewards points. Smart had earlier blocked the phishing domain from being accessed by its subscribers.
Smart continues to remind customers to double-check links that are included in unsolicited SMS. Smart’s legitimate domain is https://www.smart.com.ph and any other iteration is fake. The telco company also reiterated that Smart rewards points can only be redeemed via the official Smart App. Additionally, Smart also does not ask for payment details to redeem the rewards points.
If you receive suspicious messages or calls, please report them to cybersecurityincidents@smart.com.ph or to Smart’s verified and official social media pages - Smart Communications on Facebook and @SmartCares on X - or call our hotline *888.
