Globe has introduced a new SMS Scam Shield feature on the GlobeOne app, designed to enhance the protection of Android users against the growing threat of text-based phishing attacks. This initiative addresses the increasing sophistication of fraud tactics, particularly those involving spoofed sender IDs that disguise themselves as messages from reputable sources, such as Globe, GCash, or financial institutions. The feature is part of Globe’s broader strategy to bolster customer security in a landscape where phishing scams have been on the rise. These scams typically entice users to divulge personal information or click on harmful links, utilizing advanced techniques such as IMSI catchers, which are rogue devices that imitate legitimate cell towers to intercept communications. This new feature represents Globe’s commitment to customer safety by proactively combating these deceptive practices.
“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,” said Coco Domingo, Globe Product Experience Vice President.
Once activated on the GlobeOne app, SMS Scam Shield scans messages locally on the user’s device while ensuring privacy, and alerts users with a push notification if a message is suspected to be a scam. The system also helps detect fake sender names, such as “GLOBE,” “GLOBEREWARD,” or “GCASH,” and flags messages containing phishing links.
To date, over 34,000 GlobeOne users have enabled the feature. Since rollout, the system has already identified more than 13,000 phishing messages, just weeks into its launch.
Globe subscribers can activate and use SMS Scam Shield for free within the GlobeOne app. Once permissions are granted, the app automatically starts protecting the user from fraudulent messages. For those concerned about privacy, Globe emphasized that it does not read or store SMS messages; the scam shield runs entirely on-device and only collects harmful links to strengthen the system’s defenses.
The feature also supports community reporting through https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam, encouraging users to report scams and contribute to wider link blacklisting.
SMS Scam Shield is part of Globe’s broader commitment to building a safer digital experience for Filipinos. It complements the company’s other cybersecurity efforts and serves as an early step toward integrating more AI-powered threat detection and protection across its platforms.
“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,” added Domingo.
Globe encourages all Android users to activate the feature through their GlobeOne app and take an active role in protecting themselves against SMS scams. To activate in the GlobeOne app, select “Profile” followed by Security Settings”.
