Rising Scam Calls in the Philippines
Imagine answering a call from what looks like your bank’s number, only to hear a frantic voice claiming your account is compromised. This scenario is becoming all too common in the Philippines, where scam calls jumped by nearly 75% in early 2025.
Why Are Scam Calls Increasing?
The Shift from Texts to Calls
After the SIM Registration Act was passed in 2022, text scams fell by over 90%. However, scammers didn’t give up; they switched to voice calls and apps like Viber and Facebook Messenger. Many accounts were created before the SIM Registration Act took effect, meaning they aren’t linked to real identities. For example, scammers might pretend to be bank staff, delivery agents, or government workers, pressuring you to act quickly to avoid “trouble”.
How to Spot a Scam Call
Scammers often use these red flags:
- Urgent threats: Claims you owe money, your account is hacked, or you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately.
- Requests for personal info: Asking for passwords, bank details, or OTPs (one-time passwords).
- Unusual payment methods: Demanding payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer methods that are hard to trace.
Built-In Phone Features
Most smartphones have simple tools to silence unknown callers:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. This sends strangers straight to voicemail.
- Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, and enable “Block unknown callers”.
Report Suspicious Numbers
- If you get a scam call, report it to these hotline numbers:
National Telecommunications Commission: (02) 8920-4464
NBI Cybercrime Division: (02) 8523-8231
- You may also report scam messages to Smart’s HULISCAM Anti-scam portal: https://smart.com.ph/huliscam
Stay Safe! Quick Tips to Remember:
- Don’t rush: Scammers create fake urgency. Hang up and contact the company directly using a verified number.
- Never share personal info: Banks won’t ask for passwords or OTPs over the phone.
- Use scam-blocker apps: They’re free and add an extra layer of protection.
- Update your phone: Regular software updates patch security holes that scammers exploit.
