Globe has launched a new SMS Scam Shield feature on the GlobeOne app to help protect users from the growing threat of text-based phishing attacks, particularly those sent through spoofed Globe or GCash sender IDs. The feature, currently available to Android users, is Globe’s latest move in bolstering customer security in the face of increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics.

Spoofing and phishing scams typically disguise themselves as legitimate messages, often from trusted sources like Globe, GCash, or banks, in an attempt to trick users into clicking malicious links or revealing personal information. These types of scams have surged in recent years, especially those generated through rogue devices known as IMSI catchers that mimic cell towers.

“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 like “GLOBE,” “GLOBEREWARD,” or “GCASH,” and flags messages with 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,i t 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”.