Telecommunications company Globe has introduced the SMS Scam Shield feature on the GlobeOne app to help protect customers from text-based phishing attacks, including those using spoofed Globe or GCash sender IDs. The feature is now available to Android users.
Spoofing and phishing scams often appear as messages from real companies such as Globe, GCash, or banks, to trick users into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information. Many of these scams are generated through devices called IMSI catchers, which mimic cell towers.
“With this built-in protection, users are alerted via the GlobeOne app when they receive suspicious messages that may contain dangerous links or impersonate Globe-affiliated brands,” said Coco Domingo, VP for Product Experience at Globe.
Once activated, SMS Scam Shield scans messages locally on the user’s device, notifies them through push alerts if a text is flagged as suspicious, and helps detect fake sender names such as “GLOBE,” “GLOBEREWARD,” or “GCASH.” Globe said the system works on-device to protect privacy, collecting only malicious links to improve defenses.
Globe reported that more than 34,000 GlobeOne users have already enabled the feature. Since launch, it has flagged over 13,000 phishing messages.
The SMS Scam Shield can be activated for free through the GlobeOne app by going to “Profile” and selecting Security Settings. Globe said users can also report suspicious messages through www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam.
“Security shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be seamless. This is just the beginning of more proactive tools we’re building into our digital services,” Domingo said.