- Fake text messages pretending to come from banks, e-wallets, and government offices remain a concern as scammers use familiar names and urgent requests to trick people into clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
- The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), through its Cybercrime Complaints Center (C3), recorded 60 SMS spoofing complaints from January 1, 2025, to October 14, 2026. Of these, 27 were filed in 2025, and 33 were recorded in 2026 as of October 14.
- SMS spoofing involves fraudulent messages that appear to come from a legitimate person, company, or institution. Scammers may use these messages to gain victims' trust before directing them to fake websites or asking them to disclose personal and financial information.
Fake text messages pretending to come from banks, e-wallets, and government offices remain a concern as scammers use familiar names and urgent requests to trick people into clicking suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), through its Cybercrime Complaints Center (C3), recorded 60 SMS spoofing complaints from January 1, 2025, to October 14, 2026. Of these, 27 were filed in 2025, and 33 were recorded in 2026 as of October 14.
SMS spoofing involves fraudulent messages that appear to come from a legitimate person, company, or institution. Scammers may use these messages to gain victims' trust before directing them to fake websites or asking them to disclose personal and financial information.
Banks and e-wallets among the names mentioned
CICC's complaint records included messages associated with GCash, which appeared in 14 complaints, followed by BDO and BPI with nine complaints each. EastWest was mentioned in five complaints, while LandBank appeared in four.
Other reports involved government-related messages concerning financial assistance, including ayuda, as well as references to the Social Security System (SSS), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and alleged legal notices.
These figures identify the institutions or entities mentioned in the complaints. They do not establish that the named organizations were responsible for the messages or that every reported incident was independently confirmed.
How to spot a suspicious text
Scammers often use messages designed to trigger urgency, fear, or excitement. Common examples include announcements of supposed ayuda, AKAP, subsidies, or calamity assistance, as well as warnings that a bank or e-wallet account needs immediate verification.
Other messages may demand payment for an alleged traffic violation or legal complaint, pressuring recipients to act before they have time to verify the claim.
A sender name that looks familiar does not guarantee authenticity. Even a message appearing in an existing SMS conversation may be fraudulent if the sender's identity has been spoofed.
Before clicking a link or following instructions, check the claim through the institution's official website, app, or customer-service channel. Avoid using contact details or links supplied in the suspicious message itself.
Never disclose one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs, passwords, or other security credentials in response to unsolicited messages.
What to do if you receive a scam text
If a message looks suspicious, do not click its links, download attachments, or send money. Verify any claimed transaction, benefit, or legal obligation directly with the relevant institution.
If you have already clicked a suspicious link or shared sensitive information, contact your bank or e-wallet provider immediately through its official channels. Ask about securing your account and blocking unauthorized transactions, where applicable.
You can also report suspected cybercrime to the appropriate authorities, including the CICC. Prompt reporting can help authorities document scam attempts, while early contact with your financial provider may help limit further losses.
With scammers continuing to exploit familiar institutions and urgent requests, taking a moment to verify a message can help protect your money and personal information, especially during the busy holiday season.
Source: Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, 2026 Cybercrime Statistics, Cybercrime Complaints Center SMS spoofing complaints from January 1, 2025, to October 14, 2026.