Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom blocked 2.72 billion fraudulent calls and messages in 2022, more than double the 1.15 billion figure from 2021.
In a statement, the operator detailed it blocked 83.4 million bank-related spam messages in 2022. A move that was streamlined by partnering with all major banks and online retailers in the Philippines.
The company also spent US$20 million to upgrade its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking system. The system also filters out nefarious messages not only in SMS messages but also in messenger apps.
Globe chief information security officer Anton Bonifacio: "Our customers are our top priority so we do our best to ensure that they are protected from scammers and fraudsters. We will continue to invest in cybersecurity systems and work tirelessly to provide them with a safe and enjoyable online experience as we also take part in the full implementation of the SIM Registration Act.
“With our relentless proactive blocking efforts and implementation of the new law, we are taking great strides in our campaign to end text fraud.”
The Philippines enacted its SIM card registration law on December 27 last year a move to safeguard consumers from rising digital security risks such as text and call scams, as well misinformation. Critics of the law highlighted the
Former president Rodrigo Duterte vetoed the law because of a provision to require social media users to register their identities and phone numbers.