Protect Yourself from Scams

Smart, TNT, and Sun official customer care channels and authorized representatives will never ask you to give your One-Time Pin (OTP), bank account details, or even online account information.

Cyber attackers can take advantage and lure you into giving out your personal information through SMS or calls. Here are the most common types of scams you need to know:  

SMS Phishing

Smishing or SMS Phishing is a type of fraud where an attacker sends out fake text messages to trick recipients into giving their personal information.

The SMS you received might be a smishing attack if:

• The sender is from a suspicious number or an unknown and unverified name.
• The message expresses urgency in following their instruction, and you are pressured to act immediately.
• You won a raffle or promo you didn’t join
• You are asked to provide a One-Time PIN (OTP), bank account details, or online account information.
• The message contains suspicious links that bring you to a malicious website.
• You are being asked to send a prepaid load or any form of payment in exchange for prizes or gifts.

Voice Phishing

Vishing or Voice Phishing is similar to SMS Phishing, but the attacker impersonates a legitimate and trusted person or company and tricks victims into giving their personal information via call. This could be through a phone call, Viber, Messenger, or calls made using other social apps.

The call you received might be a vishing attack if:

• The caller is a suspicious number or an unknown and unverified name.
• The caller pretends to be a customer service representative and asks you to provide a One-Time PIN (OTP), bank account details, or online account information.
• You won a raffle or promo, but you didn’t join.
• The caller urges you to follow their instructions immediately and keeps you on the line for an indefinite amount of time to carry out the scam from their end.

Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Scams

To avoid being a victim of scams, read the SMS you receive carefully, be wary of calls, and look out for any red flags. Here are some more tips to keep in mind:

• DO NOT reply to unverified text messages that ask for your personal information.
• DO NOT give your one-time PIN (OTP) or verification code, bank account details, or online account information to anyone.
• DO NOT entertain calls from unrecognized sources.
• Block or delete any suspicious or unknown messages with links; DO NOT click on these links.
• Be aware of and keep informed of your bank’s policy or the apps and services you use.

If you receive any suspicious SMS or call, please report them by sending us a message with a verified badge on our official social media channels. Smart Communications on Facebook or Twitter @SmartCares, or call our hotline *888.