Gogolook, a Taiwan-based app development company, has introduced Whoscall to the Philippines. This app provides caller identification services and aims to curb mobile-based scams, which have been a significant issue in the country, particularly with the rise of pandemic-related text message scams.

The Philippines has been grappling with a surge in scams propagated through text messages. These messages lure recipients with tempting offers like high-paying jobs.

Whoscall’s objective is to assist smartphone users in thwarting these spam messages by recognizing unfamiliar numbers, blocking spam calls, and scrutinizing suspicious URLs in messages. For now, Whoscall can only scan text messages.

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“As fraud became more apparent during and after the pandemic, we saw how Filipinos have suffered losses from scams, much like in other countries where we have launched Whoscall, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan,” said Manwoo Joo, COO of Gogolook. “This reality ignited our drive to create a comprehensive life protection platform accessible to every Filipino across the nation.”

Republic Act 11934 or the SIM Registration Act is supposed to put a stop to these scams.

Database of phone numbers

According to Statista, smartphone penetration in the Philippines stands at 80.34 million and is projected to reach 82.7 million by 2024. The country’s population exceeds 115 million, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Whoscall, powered by AI and data-driven technology, boasts the largest database in East Asia and Southeast Asia, with more than 2.6 billion entries. This expansive database is used to identify unknown callers, identify spam and scam calls and texts, and flag potentially harmful URLs.

The app’s anti-fraud features empower users to make informed decisions about whether to answer or disregard calls and messages. App users can report suspicious numbers, actively participating in the broader campaign against fraudulent activities. 

The app is available for free with ads, while the premium account offers an ad-free experience.