Globe has issued a warning to its customers about a new voice phishing (vishing) scam where fraudsters are impersonating officials from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).
These scammers make phone calls to potential victims, falsely claiming that their phone numbers have been involved in illegal activities. The fraudsters then use threats of arrest to extort money from their targets, creating a sense of urgency and fear.
“Criminals exploit our inherent respect for authority, using it as a tool for manipulation and deception. This is exactly what’s happening in this new scam, where fraudsters impersonate NTC officials to intimidate and defraud people,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer. “We urge our customers to remain vigilant and not fall prey to these deceptive tactics.”
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, Globe has provided the following safety tips:
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially from unfamiliar numbers.
- Never disclose personal or financial information over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a reputable organization.
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.
- Report any suspicious calls to the appropriate authorities.
Globe is actively working to safeguard its customers from scams, collaborating closely with the NTC and law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraudsters and ensure they are held accountable. In addition, Globe routinely blocks numbers associated with scams, including vishing attempts.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an NTC official and requesting personal information, do not engage with them. Instead, end the call and report the incident to the NTC via its website (www.ntc.gov.ph) or through its hotline at 1682.