SMS Scam Prevention Guide

Learn to identify and protect yourself from fraudulent text messages targeting Filipinos, including SMS and Facebook Messenger scams. Knowledge is your best defense against scammers.

⚠️ ALERT: 85% of Filipinos receive fraudulent SMS or Messenger messages monthly. Over ₱500M lost to scams in 2024.

Verify Suspicious Links

Paste a link from an SMS or Messenger message to check if it's from a legitimate website.

Real SMS and Messenger Scam Examples in the Philippines

Click any scam message below to see why it's suspicious and learn the warning signs.

🏦
Banking & Financial Scams
SCAM
BPI ALERT:
Your BPI account has been compromised due to suspicious activity. Please verify your account immediately to avoid suspension. Click: bpi-securityverify.com
SCAM
METROBANK SECURITY:
URGENT: Your ATM card will be blocked in 24hrs due to security breach. Update your details now: metrobank-update.net/secure
SCAM
LANDBANK:
Notice: Your LandBank account shows irregular transactions. Verify identity to prevent account closure: landbank-verification.com
🎁
Prize & Lottery Scams
SCAM
PCSO LOTTO:
Congratulations! You won ₱2,500,000 in PCSO Grand Lotto. Claim your prize by sending your personal details to this number. Processing fee: ₱5,000
SCAM
SM MALL PROMO:
You've won ₱50,000 SM Gift Certificate! Your number was randomly selected. Click to claim: sm-winner2024.com Registration fee: ₱500
SCAM
COCA-COLA PROMO:
Congratulations! You won a brand new motorcycle in our anniversary promo. Claim at coca-cola-ph.net. Delivery fee: ₱3,500
🚚
Delivery & Package Scams
SCAM
LBC EXPRESS:
Package delivery failed. Your parcel needs additional ₱150 clearance fee. Pay now to reschedule: lbc-delivery.net/track
SCAM
J&T EXPRESS:
Your package is held at customs. Pay ₱200 processing fee to release your item: jnt-tracking.com/release
SCAM
2GO EXPRESS:
Delivery attempt failed. Re-delivery fee of ₱180 required. Pay online: 2go-express.net/redelivery
🏛️
Government & Official Scams
SCAM
DSWD AYUDA:
You are qualified for ₱10,000 emergency cash assistance. Register now: dswd-ayuda.gov.ph Processing fee: ₱500
SCAM
SSS PENSION:
Your SSS pension has increased. Claim additional ₱8,000 monthly benefit: sss-claims.com.ph Admin fee: ₱800
SCAM
PHILHEALTH:
Your PhilHealth benefits are ready for claiming. Total amount: ₱15,000. Process at: philhealth-claims.org
💳
Credit Card & Loan Scams
SCAM
QUICK LOAN PH:
Pre-approved loan of ₱50,000 ready for release. No collateral needed. Apply: quickloan-ph.com Processing: ₱2,500
SCAM
CITI CREDIT:
Your credit card application is approved! ₱100,000 limit. Activate now: citibank-activate.net Activation fee: ₱1,500
SCAM
BDO LOAN:
Congratulations! ₱200,000 personal loan approved. Get cash in 1 hour: bdo-instantloan.com Insurance: ₱3,000
⚡
Utility & Service Scams
SCAM
MERALCO BILL:
Your electricity will be disconnected tomorrow due to unpaid bills. Pay immediately: meralco-payment.com Total due: ₱8,350
SCAM
PLDT FIBR:
Internet service will be terminated due to unpaid bills. Settle account now: pldt-billing.net Amount: ₱2,890
SCAM
GLOBE TELECOM:
Your line will be disconnected for non-payment. Avoid disconnection by paying: globe-quickpay.com Due: ₱1,550
📱
GCash Text Scams
SCAM
GCASH SUPPORT:
Your GCash account has been flagged for unusual activity. Secure your account now: gcash-security.com/login Verification fee: ₱300
SCAM
GCASH PROMO:
Win ₱10,000 GCash credits! Join our anniversary raffle: gcash-raffle.com Registration: ₱500
SCAM
GCASH UPDATE:
Your GCash wallet needs KYC update to avoid deactivation. Submit details at: gcash-kyc.net Fee: ₱200
💬
Facebook Messenger Scams
SCAM
LAZADA SUPPORT (via Messenger):
Your Lazada order is on hold due to payment issues. Pay ₱250 to release: lazada-ph.com/verify
SCAM
SHOPEE PROMO (via Messenger):
You won a ₱20,000 Shopee voucher! Claim now at shopee-promo.net. Processing fee: ₱300
SCAM
FRIEND'S HACKED ACCOUNT (via Messenger):
Hi, I need help! Can you send ₱1,000 to my GCash? I’ll pay you back tomorrow. GCash number: 09123456789
🎰
Casino & Gambling Scams
SCAM
PAGCOR PROMO:
You’ve won ₱100,000 in our online casino raffle! Claim your prize at pagcor-winner.com. Registration fee: ₱1,000

Red Flags: How to Spot SMS and Messenger Scams

🚩 Warning Signs of SMS and Messenger Scams

  • Urgent language: Words like "URGENT" or "IMMEDIATE" to make you act fast
  • Suspicious links: Website links that don't match official sites (e.g., gcash-kyc.net instead of gcash.com.ph)
  • Asking for personal info: Requests for passwords, PINs, OTPs, or bank details
  • Too good to be true: Promises of prizes or money you didn't expect
  • Upfront fees: Asking for "fees" to claim prizes or services
  • Threats: Warnings of account closure or service disconnection
  • Poor grammar: Spelling errors or strange wording
  • Unknown sender: Messages from numbers or accounts you don't recognize
  • Pressure tactics: Pushing you to act quickly without thinking
  • Fake government aid: Offers of cash aid with fees
  • Hacked accounts: "Friends" asking for money via Messenger

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

  1. Check with the official source: Call the company or visit their official website or app
  2. Don't click suspicious links: Type the official website address yourself
  3. Keep personal info private: Never share passwords or OTPs via SMS or Messenger
  4. Look at the sender: Official SMS come from short codes (e.g., 2600 for BPI); check Messenger profiles
  5. Doubt prize claims: You can't win something you didn't join
  6. Avoid paying fees: Real prizes or services don't ask for upfront payments
  7. Report scams: Send scam SMS to 2920 (Smart/TNT) or report Messenger scams to Facebook
  8. Stay informed: Learn about new scam tricks
  9. Secure your accounts: Use two-factor authentication for GCash and Facebook

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

⚠️
Immediate Actions
  • Stop replying: Don't send more messages to the scammer
  • Save evidence: Take screenshots of the messages
  • Contact your bank or GCash: If you shared bank or GCash details
  • Change passwords: Update passwords for GCash, Facebook, and other accounts
  • Check your accounts: Look for any unauthorized transactions
📞
Report the Scam
  • BSP Consumer Protection: Call 1-5-7
  • PNP Anti-Cybercrime: Call 1-3-1-1
  • NTC Consumer Welfare: Call (02) 8920-4464
  • GCash Fraud Report: Call 2882 or report via GCash app
  • Facebook Scam Report: Report via Facebook Help Center

Test Your Scam Awareness

Answer these simple questions to check if you can spot SMS and Messenger scams. Click an option to see if you're right!

Score: 0/5

Question 1: You get a text: "GCASH ALERT: Your account is at risk. Verify now at gcash-secure.com." What should you do?

Click the link to verify your account
Check your account on the official GCash app or website
Reply with your GCash PIN
Send your ID details to the number

Question 2: A Messenger message from "Shopee Promo" says you won ₱20,000 but you need to pay ₱300 first. What's wrong?

The message is on Messenger
Asking for a fee to claim a prize is a scam
The prize is in pesos
Shopee is a trusted company

Question 3: You receive a text: "MERALCO: Pay ₱5,000 now at meralco-pay.com to avoid disconnection." What's suspicious?

It mentions Meralco
The amount is in pesos
The link is not Meralco's official website
It’s sent via SMS

Question 4: A friend messages you on Messenger: "I need ₱2,000 urgently. Send to my GCash 09123456789." What should you do?

Send the money immediately
Ask for their bank details instead
Call your friend to confirm it’s really them
Reply with your GCash number

Question 5: A text says: "You won ₱100,000 from PCSO Lotto! Claim at pcso-winner.com. Fee: ₱1,000." Why is this a scam?

It mentions PCSO
You didn’t enter a lottery, and real winnings don’t require fees
The prize is large
It’s sent to your phone