NTC to telcos: Warn subscribers vs spam texts, fake job offers

MANILA, Philippines — The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has directed telecommunications firms to warn their subscribers against the wave of spam text messages offering spurious job openings. 

In a statement on Saturday, NTC urged DITO, Globe and Smart to send a text blast with the following message: “BABALA: HUWAG PONG MANIWALA SA TEXT NA NAG-AALOK NG TRABAHO NA MAY PANGAKO NG MALAKING SWELDO, ITO PO AY SCAM.” 

(WARNING: DO NOT FALL FOR TEXT MESSAGES OFFERING JOBS WITH HIGH SALARIES. THIS IS A SCAM.)

The NTC enjoined the telecommunications companies to comply with the order by June 4, 2022. 

Meanwhile, NTC regional directors and officers-in-charge were also instructed to further amplify their message of caution by discussing it on local radio and television programs. 

Widespread cybercrime through text messaging has been a recurring concern in the country, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

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Last year, the Malacañang flagged spam texts on fake job offers as a “cause of concern” since it points to a violation of the subscribers’ privacy. 

Globe, a leading force in the Philippine telecommunications industry, has previously committed a crackdown against unsolicited and scam text messages. 

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