The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) recently cracked a case involving the alleged resale of bulk SMS broadcasting devices, arresting a 36-year-old man. These devices were widely used by the now-defunct Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) businesses, but have now become a "phishing tool" for scammers.
On July 31, Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, the director of PNP ACG, reported the details of the case at a press conference. The suspect, "Kian," was lured and arrested by the police on July 20 in the Bicutan area of Taguig City. He had been selling devices capable of sending mass SMS messages on social platforms, which drew police attention.
Yang pointed out that these devices originally served the communication needs of POGO, but have now entered the black market, being used to send bulk phishing SMS messages, forge official notifications, and scam people out of their bank account information and personal data.
In the operation, the police seized 11 SMS broadcasting devices, each priced between 25,000 to 30,000 pesos. Upon verification by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the suspect was found to have no legal qualifications to possess or sell such telecommunications devices, constituting illegal activity.
The man has now been transferred to the Taguig City Police Station, and the police will prosecute him under the Radio Control Law (RA 3846) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175).
The police also remind the public to remain highly vigilant, not to click on suspicious SMS messages or unfamiliar links, and to report them immediately to the anti-scam hotline. Although the phishing tool has been captured, vigilance should not be relaxed.
