Scammers now using e-sabong in text blasts

As the implementation of the SIM Registration Act started last December 27, 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said over 18 million, or 10% of the target SIM cards, had been registered in just sixteen days. Despite this, text scams still proliferate.

In Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras," a subscriber shared a text message he got on Wednesday enticing him to bet in an online cockfighting or 'e-sabong' that is said to be on their website.  The text message said those who participate can win a smartphone.

Another subscriber was invited to watch the online cockfighting.  

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the continued ban of e-sabong in the country.

The NTC declined to comment on the matter but said scammers might be taking advantage of the unregistered SIM cards.

“May mga active SIMs pa na hindi pa registered dahil wala pa yung deadline natin. Yung mga existing SIMs na gamit nitong mga masasamang loob, ginagamit pa rin,” Ion Paolo Salvahan, NTC deputy commissioner, said.

He also said that the number of text scams reported to the NTC hotline had dropped significantly after the SIM registration began.

"From as high as 1,500 complaints ng around Septemper or August last year, it went down to around 150-200 na lang po daily po yun," he said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News