Retirees are facing an increase in scam texts, fake calls, and phishing messages, prompting mobile company Smart Communications to step up digital safety training through its SCAMpaign program.
At a recent CX Caravan session with the Meralco Employees and Retirees Association (MERA), senior citizens were briefed on common fraud tactics, including one-time password (OTP) theft, fake loan collection notices, and impersonation calls that pressure victims into sharing personal data.
“They don’t always look suspicious at first,” said Francis Barreso, president of MERA. “That’s what makes them dangerous, because they sound urgent, familiar, even legitimate.”
Scam attempts often mimic everyday transactions, blending into normal mobile activity such as banking alerts or delivery updates. This increases the risk for retirees who rely on mobile phones for financial transactions, communication, and access to essential services.
Smart’s SCAMpaign initiative teaches practical habits to reduce risk, including refusing to share OTPs, avoiding unknown numbers, and not clicking suspicious links. The program is part of its efforts to address the growing number of fraud cases targeting Filipino senior citizens.
Data from global cybersecurity reports show phishing and social engineering attacks remain among the top causes of financial fraud, with older adults considered high-risk targets due to frequent mobile usage and trust-based communication habits.
“This kind of session really helps people like us,” Barreso said. “It gives us the confidence to pause, think twice, and protect ourselves before we act.”
“Digital trust is now a core part of customer experience,” said Kristine Generalao, AVP for customer experience at Smart Communications. “As scams evolve, our responsibility is not only to keep customers connected, but to help them stay informed, vigilant, and empowered.”
She noted that SCAMpaign is about turning awareness into everyday action so customers feel more confident navigating an increasingly complex digital world.