How to report text scams on the eGovPH App

The Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC) and Scam Watch Pilipinas are urging the public to use the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) eGovPH App to report suspicious text messages.

Previously, reporting relied on the Inter-Agency Response Center (I-ARC) Hotline 1326 and telecommunications companies’ channels. Now, with the eGov App’s eReport feature, users have a more convenient digital channel to fight back.

“Victims of cyber fraud should call 1326 and those who just received text scams can report the numbers to the eGov App eReport feature. The CICC investigates the data received from the eGov App and we send it to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) which shall immediately block the numbers,” said CICC Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander Ramos.

The CICC investigates the data submitted via eReport. This information is then forwarded to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for action, which often includes blocking the reported numbers.

The eReport feature allows users to submit screenshots of suspicious messages received via various platforms. This includes SMS, messaging apps like Viber and WhatsApp, email, social media posts, and even messages from FB Messenger.

Here’s a quick guide on how to report a text scam through eReport:

1. Download the eGovPH App from Google Play (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS).
2. Register for an eGovPH account (if you haven’t already).
3. Open the app and navigate to “More,” then tap “Report.”
4. Within the “Report” section, choose “Scam” followed by “Text Scam.”
5. Upload up to five screenshots of the scam message.
6. (Optional) Provide a detailed description of the scam in the designated text box.
7. Finally, tap “Submit” to finalize your report.

The CICC recently announced plans to file complaints against telcos and their representatives who fail to manage unregistered SIM cards properly.

Unregistered cards, according to Ramos, are a major concern, especially when used to intercept online bank transaction messages.