Smart Communications Inc.  and Maya, the top digital bank in the Philippines, are urging the public to stay vigilant against the rising threat of “text hijacking” scams. 

The firm said these fraudulent messages mimic trusted companies like Smart and Maya, tricking unsuspecting users into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal information.

Smart and Maya emphasize that they never send SMS with links requesting login credentials, personal information, or account verification. If anyone receives such a message, it is likely a text-hijacking attempt.

Text hijacking, also known as “spoofing,” involves scammers using fake cell sites to collect mobile numbers within a targeted area. They push messages directly to subscribers' devices, bypassing legitimate service providers like Smart. 

Scammers also use illegal software to manipulate the sender's name, making the messages appear as though they come from a trusted source. These messages often contain suspicious links, offering fake promotions like vouchers or prompting users to update their accounts.

To help customers identify legitimate communications, Smart reminds users that its official domain is https://smart.com.ph, while Maya directs customers to its official domains: https://maya.ph and https://mayabank.ph.

"We are committed to protecting our customers by continuously raising awareness about these scams and educating them on how to stay safe," said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Group Corporate Communications Cathy Yang. 

She added that "we encourage everyone to be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links, no matter how urgent the message seems."

Maya and Smart said they remain committed to the security of their users and will continue to strengthen their efforts to combat these scams.

Through its #BeCyberSmart campaign, Smart provides resources and tips on identifying phishing scams. The company has also launched the #HuliScam reporting portal, allowing customers to report suspicious messages quickly. 

Maya also proactively educates its users through in-app reminders and security tips via #ScamPatrol, encouraging customers to report suspicious activities by logging into the Maya app, going to their profile, and tapping “Get Help.”