Globe Postpaid Customers and OTTs: How to Spot a Scammer

OTT subscribers and Globe postpaid customers, be warned. According to Globe, spammers and scammers are targeting users by dangling prizes or promos in exchange of giving out your one-time PIN (OTP). Read more on how to spot a scammer and not be victimized.

• Related: BDO to job seekers: “Beware of recruitment scams!”

Globe Postpaid Customers and OTT Subcribers: Please Take Caution

As part of its advocacy to #MakeITSafePH and protect customers from scammers and spammers, Globe cautioned its customers never to give their one-time pin (OTP). Sometimes, spammers and scammers would even offer a prize or promo. These are are just some of the things that we have to look up for in how to spot a scammer.

When such things happen, customers are advised to immediately report suspicious calls and texts to https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam.html.

The company reiterated this reminder amid issues related to over-the-top (OTT) media services like Netflix in the past few months. In this modus operandi, fraudsters sign up to Netflix using a random Globe Postpaid number. They then send an SMS to the number posing as a Globe rep to inform the customer that they have won prizes such as cell phones and motorcycles. The customer is then asked for the OTP generated from signing up. Once the customer sends the OTP, the scammers complete the signup, and the former gets billed for the subscription.

This is a form of “smishing”, where attackers send text messages pretending to be representatives of reputable companies. They would then trick a person into revealing their personal information.

• Related: Globe Empowers Filipino SMEs: Tuloy Tayo!

How to Spot a Scammer

Moreover, Globe also shared information on how to spot a scam or spam message:

• 1)      The sender is an 11-digit number. Official Globe advisories come only from a 4-digit or alphanumeric sender code.

• 2)      There is a deliberate capitalization of certain letters and grammatical and spelling errors in the message.

• 3)      The text message requests for personal information, e.g., name, age, and address in exchange for raffle prizes. 

• 4)      The sender requests for OTP or one-time pin, password, or PIN. Globe and other legitimate institutions will never request for a password or OTP, so they should never be shared with anyone.

Customers can also reach out to Globe through several channels to report fraudulent activities. These include the company’s social media channels, namely:

• Facebook account https://web.facebook.com/globeph
• Twitter: @Talk2GLOBE
• GlobeOne app

Dangers of a Digital Lifestyle

“The shift to a more digital lifestyle amid restrictions makes vigilance all the more important, since fraudsters are adapting to this reality. They are looking for avenues to hoodwink customers. As a connectivity enabler, Globe has been working closely with its partners to deter these illegal acts, and the cooperation of our customers is crucial since their awareness is the first line of defense.” This was said by Chelo Flores, Globe Director for Video and Music Squad, Get Entertained Tribe.

• Related: RUSH Empowers Brands to Understand Customer Behavior

Globe has been sending regular SMS blasts to all customers in the past few months to warn them of this ongoing scam. It has also been active on its social media platform, Globe Icon, to inform the public on how to detect scammers. The company has also been helping customers resolve wrongful charges.

About #MakeItSafePH

#MakeITSafePH is part of the company’s broader campaign to keep customers safe while online. They also promote the responsible use of technology, which includes how to spot a scammer.

Its flagship Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) educates the youth on digital citizenship and prevents online abuse. Globe transformed the DTP modules into easily accessible e-modules available online to reach more internet users, as people have grown more reliant on the internet and digital tools. The DTP has been integrated by the Department of Education (DepEd) into the K-12 curriculum to bolster DepEd’s existing modules around digital literacy.

There is also support for the #SaferKidsPH campaign. It is maximizing awareness on protection measures when it comes to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).

“As a company that connects many Filipinos, it is our responsibility and commitment to protect our customers and keep every aspect of our business safe and secure from all forms of criminality. We are always on the lookout for the latest schemes so we can apprise the public and importantly, find ways to combat these,” said Flores.

• To learn more about how to stay safe and secure digitally, visit https://www.globe.com.ph.