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As digital transactions become increasingly integrated into daily life, so too do the associated threats, particularly phishing and voice phishing, commonly known as “vishing”. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Ilocos has issued a strong warning urging the public to remain vigilant against these dangerous schemes.
Lawyer Ana Minelle Maningding, the legal officer for NTC Ilocos (Region 1), recently discussed essential strategies for identifying, avoiding, and reporting these scams. She shared a simple yet effective strategy for protecting oneself from scams, encapsulated in the acronym B.I.R.D.: Block, Ignore, Report and Delete.
Phishing involves sending fraudulent messages and emails that appear to originate from legitimate sources, with the intent of tricking victims into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords, bank details, or personal identification. Once scammers gain access to this information, they can exploit it for identity and financial theft.
Vishing operates differently, targeting individuals via phone calls. In these cases, scammers impersonate legitimate representatives from banks or government agencies, seeking to convince victims to provide personal and sensitive information over the phone. This information can then be used for malicious activities or theft.
To help the public avoid falling victim to these scams, Maningding highlighted some key warning signs to watch for, including text messages containing malicious links or attachments that redirect users to fake websites and unsolicited phone calls from unknown numbers requesting personal information.
“One of the easiest ways to avoid these scams is to not entertain them. When individuals receive calls and messages from unknown or unsaved numbers, it is advisable not to interact and to block the number to enhance protection,” she advised during a recent episode of the Danggay iti Panagdur-as (Partners for Change) radio programme by PIA Ilocos Norte.
Maningding stressed the importance of verifying any information received from supposed legitimate institutions, as scammers often use sophisticated tactics to mimic official communication and create a sense of urgency.
“Always confirm details with official sources, avoid clicking on suspicious links, never disclose personal information or share copies of IDs, and be cautious of unsolicited phone calls. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication on online accounts can provide an extra layer of security,” she advised.
Victims of these scams are encouraged to report any malicious messages or calls to authorities. The NTC provides an online complaint page for reporting scams directly from the comfort of home, accessible at ntc.gov.ph, along with a hotline number, 1682. Victims can also report incidents through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) at cicc.gov.ph.
In the unfortunate event that scammers succeed in stealing personal information or money, victims should contact the Cybercrime Unit of their local police department for immediate assistance.
“By following these tips and reporting scams, individuals can help protect themselves and others from falling victim to phishing and vishing schemes and contribute to making the digital space safer for everyone,” she said.
As the Philippines celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has highlighted its initiatives to bolster the nation’s resilience against cyber threats.
DICT Secretary Ivan John Enrile Uy launched the theme “Cyber Tiwala, Cyber Handa, Cyber Tatag,” encouraging public involvement to bolster trust and preparedness. The month includes activities aimed at enhancing cybersecurity knowledge and aligns with Proclamation No. 353.
This proclamation outlines strategies from the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, aiming to establish a robust legal framework to strengthen cybersecurity policies and protect sensitive information.
The Philippines has improved its position from 61st to 53rd in the 2024 United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index since 2020 and is on track to become a global cybersecurity leader while safeguarding its digital infrastructure and citizens.
