DICT warns of rampant Yuletide text scams

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has warned the public against rampant text scams, especially this coming Christmas season.

- SHEILA CRISOSTOMO

According to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, there is a new scheme for text scamming wherein people are asked to click on legitimate-looking links.

"There are vehicles going around with equipment that can capture cell phone numbers in an area. Once they get the numbers, they will then spread these (scam text) messages," he said in Filipino in an interview with GMA.

Uy noted the public should not fall for these legitimate-looking links or their personal information can be captured by scammers once they click the links.

He warned the public that text scamming is expected to be more rampant this Christmas season, so there is a need for everyone to be vigilant.

The official assured the public that the DICT is now coordinating with banks, telecommunication companies and e-wallet providers to address this new scheme.