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Beware of rising ‘text hijacking’ scams

There’s yet another new scam tactic on the rise. ‘Text hijacking’ is a growing scam tactic where deceptive messages are used to trick unsuspecting victims into clicking on malicious links or giving up personal information.

Smart Communications and Maya are urging Filipinos to be cautious of this new scam. Both companies stressed that they never send SMS messages containing links that request login credentials, personal details, or account verification. If you receive such a message, it’s likely a text-hijacking attempt.

Text hijacking, also known as spoofing, involves scammers using fake cell sites to collect mobile numbers within a specific area. They then use this information to send messages directly to subscribers’ devices, bypassing legitimate service providers like Smart and Globe

Additionally, scammers use illegal software to manipulate the sender’s name, making the messages appear authentic. These fraudulent messages often include suspicious links that offer fake promotions, such as vouchers, or prompt users to update their accounts.

Smart reminds users that its official website is https://smart.com.ph/corporate, while Maya directs users to its official domains: https://maya.ph and https://mayabank.ph

You can report suspicious SMS messages to https://smart.com.ph/huliscam. Similarly, Maya customers can report suspicious activities by logging into the Maya app, going to their profile, and tapping “Get Help.”

Bryan is a geek at heart and a tech enthusiast by choice. He has a strong background in corporate communications, marketing services, and customer relations having worked in the telecommunications and banking sectors for over two decades. In his spare time, he enjoys watching clips on YouTube and binge watching shows on Netflix.

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