Some 62% of Filipino consumers surveyed said they avoid contact or transactions because they fear being scammed, according to the GSMA ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026. The findings show that scam concerns are changing how people communicate and transact.
At the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila held recently, Globe, PLDT/Smart, and DITO Telecommunity outlined efforts to make digital transactions safer. These include stronger protection within mobile networks and tools that help businesses check whether users are who they claim to be.
“The Philippines has real digital momentum, but sustaining that progress depends on trust. Scams move across communications channels, digital platforms and payment systems, so protecting consumers requires action across the digital ecosystem,” said Julian Gorman, head of Asia Pacific, GSMA.
The survey also found that 76% of Filipino respondents said they “absolutely worry” about being scammed. GSMA said maintaining trust is necessary as consumers, businesses, and government services become more digitally connected.
One project with Globe will explore whether mobile network data and signals can help identify possible scams earlier. The GSMA Foundry proof of concept is part of a more significant work with mobile operators across ASEAN.
The project will study whether relevant signals could help other digital services take action before consumers are harmed. It is still testing the approach, with no results or wider rollout announced in the material.
Globe, Smart, and DITO also support work on GSMA Open Gateway capabilities to strengthen identity verification and authentication during digital transactions. These efforts help businesses confirm who is accessing a service or making a transaction.
The next step is to develop practical uses for these capabilities and encourage adoption among businesses and government agencies.
“Mobile operators have capabilities that can make a real difference. In the Philippines, we are bringing operators together to strengthen protection in the network and make digital transactions safer,” Gorman said.
Operators are also working on scam prevention, detection, and response through the GSMA United Against Scams Playbook. This work focuses on protection within mobile networks, alongside identity checks during transactions and research into spotting scams earlier.
“The priority now is to turn these capabilities into practical solutions that better protect consumers,” Gorman said.