Globe Telecommunications has rolled out a feature seeking to curtail the growing threat of text-based phishing attacks, particularly those sent through spoofed Globe or GCash sender IDs.

In this article, we’ll explore why Globe Telecom users should enable SMS Scam Shield Feature in their mobile devices now.

What is a Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks refer to cyber scams where criminals pose as trusted entities to trick people into divulging sensitive information like passwords, bank details, and personal identification. This information can be used for identity theft or financial gain.

These types of attacks which tricks users into clicking on malicious links or revealing sensitive information have surged in recent years. Hackers who are using this kind of attack typically uses rogue devices known as IMSI catchers that mimic cell towers.

What is Globe SMS Scam Shield

The Globe SMS Scam Shield which can be activated on the GlobeOne app scans messages locally on the user’s device while ensuring privacy. This will alert users with a push notification if a message is suspected to be a scam.

The system helps detect fake sender names such as GLOBE, GLOBEREWARD, or GCASH and flags messages with phishing links.

The feature is currently available to Android users. To activate, head over to the GlobeOne app dashboard, select Profile at the bottom-right corner. Proceed to the Security Settings and click GlobeOne SMS Scam Shield.

After that, scroll down and click Enable SMS Scam Shield button. Congratulations, the Detection status will turn into active and hence the activation was successful.

Privacy Issues with SMS Scam Shield

With features that seeks permission to scan your messages, it is but common to ask questions on privacy. But, Globe emphasized that the app feature does not read or store SMS scam messages; the scam shield runs entirely on-device and only collects harmful links to strengthen the system’s defenses.

Globe Product Experience Vice President Coco Domingo has said, “SMS Scam Shield is our way of giving customers more control and peace of mind. With this built-in protection, users are alerted via the GlobeOne app when they receive suspicious messages that may contain dangerous links or impersonate Globe-affiliated brands.”

Moreover, users can also do community reporting through link globe.com.ph/stop-spam. This encourages users to report scams and contribute to wider link blacklisting.

Commitment to Building a Safer Digital Experience

The SMS Scam Shield feature is part of Globe’s broader commitment to building a safer digital experience for Filipinos.

VP Domingo said, “Security shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be seamless. This is just the beginning of more proactive tools we’re building into our digital services.”

This initiative complements the company’s other cybersecurity efforts and serves as an early step toward integrating more AI-powered threat detection and protection across all platforms.

As of September 24, 2025, there are reportedly around 34,000 GlobeOne users who enabled the feature. The system, meanwhile, has identified more than 13,000 phishing messages.

Sources: Globe, SunStar, Pinoy Tech Saga