PAOCC Reports Decline in Text Scams Following POGO Ban

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The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has reported a notable decrease in text scams since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) in the country.


“Since the President implemented the ban, we have seen a significant reduction in the number of text scams received,” said PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio. 


The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also noted a decline in consumer complaints regarding scam messages. “Our phones have been much quieter in terms of scam promotions and various types of offers,” DICT spokesperson Aboy Paraiso added.


In conjunction with PAOCC’s operations against POGOs, thousands of SIM cards were confiscated, including those from a recent raid in Las Piñas. According to PAOCC, many of these SIM cards were linked to text scams and harassment schemes, such as online loan offers.


“Those involved are aware that POGOs are shutting down, which was their source for pre-registered SIM cards. They have machines that register these SIMs under false identities. When sold, they are already registered, costing around P500 each,” explained PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz.


Cruz further mentioned that POGOs often purchase unregistered SIM cards from legitimate telecommunications companies, as the registration process is not closely monitored. Under Republic Act 11934, or the SIM Card Registration Act, users are required to register their SIM cards, but this does not guarantee that the registrant is a real person.


In response to these illegal activities, the DICT plans to audit the SIM registration processes of telecommunications companies to ensure effectiveness in preventing fake registrations. DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy has established a SIM Card Registration Annual Audit Task Force to verify registered users against the National ID system.


Globe Telecom stated that its SIM cards remain deactivated until they are registered and verified, while DITO Telecommunity expressed support for the audit, highlighting its app that blocks over 19,000 fake accounts and its 14 million successful registrants. Smart Communications also mentioned its efforts to filter fake accounts and validate SIM registrations in compliance with regulations set by the National Telecommunications Commission.

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