DICT warns of text scams asking users to click on links

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) warned the public of a new text scam asking people to click on a legitimate-looking link, Mariz Umali reported Thursday on 24 Oras.

“May mga umiikot na mga sasakyan na kargado ng equipment para mag-capture ng lahat ng cellphone number dun sa kapaligiran at once makuha yung cellphone number binabato ngayon na itong nga messages na ito,” DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy.

(There are vehicles roaming the streets that have equipment that can capture cellphone numbers in the vicinity, and the scammers send messages to these numbers.)

He added that the public may be deceived as the scammers send links that may look legit.

“Dadalhin ka doon sa mismong site na mukhang kamukha ng lehitimong site kasi kinopya lang nila pero hindi totoong site yun. 'Please key in your username, your password,' and then pag key in mo diyan, kuha na yung detalye mo, yung credentials mo at pwede nang masimot kung anuman yung pera na nandun sa account na yun,” Uy said.

(It will bring you to a site that looks legitimate since they copied it. Once you key in your username and password, the scammers can attain your personal details and credentials, and they can obtain all your money.)

He added that the DICT cannot combat the scammers' advanced equipment, and urged the public not to immediately click on links sent through text messages or call the number.

“Magpapasko, medyo may pera mga tao at gusto mamili. Magdoble ingat po kayo sa inyong transaction lalo na online. Always be suspicious. Lalo na kung unsolicited,” Uy said.

(The public should be extra careful with their online transactions, especially since we are nearing the Christmas season. Always be suspicious, especially with unsolicited messages.)

Uy said the DICT is coordinating with e-wallet providers, online banks, and telecommunication companies to address the new scamming scheme. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News