Smart blocks nearly 1 billion scam texts in Q1 2026

Smart Communications Inc. said it blocked more than 955 million text messages linked to scams and phishing activities in the first quarter of 2026, as fraudsters continue to use mobile technology to target Filipino subscribers.

The telco also blacklisted almost 200,000 mobile numbers connected to fraudulent activities during the same period.

PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Head of Network Menardo “Butch” Jimenez Jr. said scammers are increasingly using devices that imitate legitimate cell towers to send fraudulent messages directly to nearby phones.

“This is why we continue to strengthen our network defenses while working closely with government partners to help protect our customers,” Jimenez said.

Smart and its value brand TNT recently launched anti-text scam awareness videos to support the government’s broader campaign against mobile-enabled fraud.

Jimenez said protecting Filipinos from online scams requires strong coordination among government, industry, and the public.

“By raising awareness and strengthening safeguards across networks, we can make it harder for criminals to exploit mobile technologies,” he added.

According to PLDT and Smart, common signs of text scams include messages that create a sense of urgency, such as warnings that an account will be suspended, rewards points are expiring, or access credentials will be revoked. Other scam messages may offer fake prizes or exclusive deals to lure users into clicking links.

The companies also warned that some scams may involve signal hijacking through devices known as IMSI catchers. These rogue base stations impersonate legitimate cell towers and trick phones into connecting to them. Once connected, scammers can send phishing messages directly to nearby phones without passing through the operator’s messaging network.

A sudden downgrade from 5G to older networks such as 2G before suspicious messages arrive may be a warning sign of malicious fake cell towers nearby.

Smart urged customers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages and report suspicious texts through its HULISCAM portal, verified social media accounts, or hotline *888.