Globe Telecom is tightening their security protocols to prevent scammers from taking advantage of unwitting Globe subscribers. One of the latest development of text scams includes fraudulent share-a-load messages guised as bills and promos.
Specifically, Globe has limited share-a-load amounts to a maximum of PHP 150 for prepaid customers and PHP 300 for postpaid subscribers. Sharers also have to confirm their load transfers via a validating text acting as a safeguard for impulsive transactions – this to be implemented on September 8.
These safeguards were put in place after Globe received increasing reports of text scams pitching rewards, loyalty, MSF discount, roaming and bill overcharge, waiver of charges, refunds, etc. An example of such a message is: “Globe: Congrats! You’re one of the lucky postpaid subscribers to receive a P500 bill discount. To claim your bill discount just text: 500 and send to 2906XXXXXXX.”
“The new measures will help protect our customers from being victimized by text scams. It is equally important for our customers to be aware that by adding the number ‘2’ before the 10-digit mobile number of the recipient, they are doing a share-a-load transaction,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Senior Vice-President for Corporate Communications.
Crisanto also appealed to Globe subscribers to immediately report text scams using http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam and providing all the details required. Over 42,000 reports have been filed through the StopSpam website since its creation last June 2014.
“Numbers that are reported as source of text scams will be immediately blocked from the network,” she added.