Smart’s SCAMpaign targets rising scam risks among retirees

• Smart conducts a SCAMpaign discussion at the recent CX Caravan stop with the Meralco Employees and Retirees Association.

Retirees are increasingly becoming targets of more sophisticated digital scams, as fraudsters exploit familiar communication channels—from text messages to phone calls—to appear legitimate and urgent.

At a recent CX Caravan stop with the Meralco Employees and Retirees Association (MERA), participants joined a practical session focused on identifying and responding to these evolving threats.

The discussion highlighted how scams are no longer easy to spot, often mimicking real transactions or using pressure tactics to push victims into acting quickly.

“They don’t always look suspicious at first,” said Francis Barreso. “That’s what makes them dangerous—because they sound urgent, familiar, even legitimate.”

This growing sophistication reflects a broader shift in scam tactics, where attackers blend into everyday digital interactions. For many retirees, mobile phones are essential tools for managing finances, staying connected, and accessing services—making them prime targets for exploitation.

Through SCAMpaign, a key initiative under Smart’s CX Caravan, Smart Communications is promoting simple but critical habits: avoiding unknown numbers, not sharing personal information, and pausing before clicking suspicious links. The effort aims to translate awareness into everyday behavior, especially for vulnerable groups.

Barreso noted that these sessions help build confidence among retirees navigating digital platforms.

“This kind of session really helps people like us. It gives us the confidence to pause, think twice, and protect ourselves before we act,” he said.

That moment of hesitation—before responding to a message or call—has become a key line of defense against fraud.

Kristine Generalao, assistant vice president for customer experience at Smart, emphasized that digital safety is now a core component of connectivity.

“Digital trust is now a core part of customer experience. As scams evolve, our responsibility is not only to keep customers connected, but to help them stay informed, vigilant, and empowered,” she said. “SCAMpaign is about turning awareness into everyday action—so customers feel more confident navigating an increasingly complex digital world.”

SCAMpaign forms part of the PLDT Group’s broader #BeCyberSmart initiative, which seeks to strengthen public awareness and resilience against online scams as digital adoption continues to expand across the country.