CICC warns vs text scam that sneaks into legit message threads

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned the public of an SMS or text scam that could sneak into reputable message threads.

The scam inserts fraudulent messages within reputable message threads, making it harder for recipients to distinguish between real and fake texts

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Often, the text contains a link to a fake website that takes a recipient’s details, like One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and personal data.

CICC Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos said that his office has been receiving related complaints from Maya and GCash users.

“We are appealing to the public to be more vigilant and never click links sent through text messages. We should always be suspicious when we receive such links through text messages,” Ramos stated.

GCash has been sending advisories on various platforms to protect customers from this text scam.

“GCash will never send links via SMS, email, and messaging apps,” the e-wallet firm declared on its FB page.

Also, Smart and Maya have been advising customers: “Never open links sent by text, even those from ‘Maya.’ Scammers are now using illegal cell towers to send texts that appear to be from trusted brands.”

Ramos reminded the public that fighting cybercrime begins with every individual. “The government cannot do it alone,” he said. “We need the support of everyone in the community.”

People may report cybercrime incidents to the Inter-Agency Response Center (IARC) Hotline 1326.