Free text scam shield now available for Globe users

• Photo from Pixabay

By TechWatch PH Staff

Globe has introduced a new SMS Scam Shield on its GlobeOne app to help protect customers from the rising threat of text-based scams, particularly those spoofing Globe or GCash sender IDs.

The free security feature is currently available to Android users and is the company’s latest initiative to strengthen consumer protection against evolving fraud tactics.

Text scams, especially those using spoofed identities and phishing links, have surged in recent years. Many originate from rogue devices known as IMSI catchers, which mimic legitimate cell towers to send deceptive messages pretending to be from trusted institutions like banks or telcos.

“SMS Scam Shield is our way of giving customers more control and peace of mind. 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, Globe Product Experience Vice President.

Once activated in the GlobeOne app, the feature works directly on the user’s device, scanning SMS locally while protecting privacy. It detects and flags suspicious messages, including those using fake sender names like “GLOBE,” “GLOBEREWARD,” or “GCASH,” and issues a push notification to warn users of potential scams.

Since its recent rollout, over 34,000 GlobeOne users have activated SMS Scam Shield, which has already intercepted more than 13,000 phishing messages.

Globe emphasized that the tool does not read or store users’ text messages. Instead, it only gathers harmful links to continuously improve scam detection. Customers can also participate in community reporting by submitting suspicious messages through globe.com.ph/stop-spam, helping to expand the blacklist of malicious sites.

The launch forms part of Globe’s wider push for safer digital experiences for Filipinos, complementing its broader cybersecurity efforts and paving the way for more AI-driven protection across its platforms.

“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 added.

Globe is encouraging all Android users to enable SMS Scam Shield through their GlobeOne app by going to Profile > Security Settings and activating the feature for free.