Blocking Scam and Spam Messages on TM & Globe SIM in the Philippines (2025)

Spam and scam messages are not just annoying—they can put your privacy, finances, and peace of mind at risk. With fraudsters constantly evolving their tactics, it’s crucial for TM and Globe SIM users in the Philippines to stay one step ahead. This guide provides a deep, step-by-step walkthrough of every proven method to block, report, and protect yourself from unwanted messages. It covers advanced tips, legal recourse, and the latest industry strategies—ensuring you have the most comprehensive and actionable information available.

Why Are Scam and Spam Messages a Threat

Annoyance & Disruption: Unwanted messages clutter your inbox and distract you.
Financial & Security Risks: Scam messages can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or malware infections.
Evolving Tactics: As telcos improve their defenses, scammers shift to new methods, including chat apps and fake cell towers.

Prerequisite: SIM Registration

Before you can access advanced blocking and reporting features, your TM or Globe SIM must be registered.

The SIM Registration Act mandates all SIMs in the Philippines be registered to help authorities and telcos trace and block fraudulent activity.

How to Block Scam and Spam Messages

A. Enable Built-In Spam Filters

For Android Users:

Install and set Google Messages as your default SMS app.
Open Google Messages > Settings > Enable “Spam Protection.”
Suspected spam will be filtered into a separate folder, reducing risk.

For iPhone Users:

Go to Settings > Messages > Enable “Filter Unknown Senders.”
Messages from unknown numbers are separated from your main inbox.

For TM SIM Users:

Dial *123# on your TM SIM.
Select “Services,” then “Block Spam.”
Follow on-screen instructions to activate network-level spam filtering.

Third-Party Apps (for extra protection):

Android: Call Control, Key Messages, Calls Blacklist.
iPhone: Hiya, VeroSMS, TrueCaller.

B. Manual Blocking of Numbers

If a spam or scam message gets through:

Open the message.
Tap the options menu (three dots or info icon).
Select “Block number” or “Block this caller.”
Confirm and save.

This prevents further messages from that sender.

C. Never Respond or Click Link

Do not reply to suspicious messages; replying confirms your number is active.
Never click links in messages from unknown or untrusted sources. These may lead to phishing sites or install malware.

D. Report Scam and Spam Messages

1. Report to Globe/TM via #StopSPAM Portal

Visit [globe.com.ph/stop-spam].
Upload a screenshot of the spam or scam message (must show sender’s number, message content, and timestamp).
Fill in the required details:
- Sender’s number
- Your Globe/TM number
- Any suspicious links
- Your email address
Agree to the terms and complete the captcha.
Submit the form.

Processing Timeline: Telcos must acknowledge within 24 hours and block or justify within 48 hours for verified spam. You’ll be notified of action taken.

2. Report to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)

Email: [email protected]
Hotlines: +632 8921 3251, +632 8920 4464, +632 8926 7722
Include screenshots, sender’s number, and message details.

3. Report to Law Enforcement (for serious cases)

File a complaint with the NBI or PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, especially for scams involving money or organized crime.

4. Notify Your Bank or Financial Institution

If you shared banking details, immediately contact your bank to secure your account.

E. Advanced Telco Measures (What Most Guides Mis

Network-Wide Blocking: Globe blocks all SMS containing clickable links, regardless of sender, to stop phishing and smishing at the source.
24/7 Security Operations Center: Globe has invested over $100 million in cybersecurity, running round-the-clock monitoring to detect and neutralize threats.
Cross-Network Blacklisting: Globe not only deactivates its own fraudulent SIMs but also blacklists competitor SIMs identified in scams—over 36,000 in Q1 2024 alone.
Collaboration with Banks: Globe partners with 45+ major banks for real-time intelligence sharing, blocking millions of bank-related scam messages.
Industry and Law Enforcement Partnerships: Joint operations with the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and NTC have led to successful crackdowns on fraudsters.

How to Stay Safe: Proactive Tips

Never share personal info, passwords, or OTPs via SMS or call, even if the sender seems official.
Don’t click links in unsolicited messages or chat apps.
Keep your device updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
Don’t install apps from unknown sources or enter your number on suspicious websites.
Educate friends and family—scammers often target the less tech-savvy.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Change passwords for any compromised accounts.
Contact your bank if you shared financial info.
Report the incident via the #StopSPAM portal, NTC, and law enforcement.
Warn your contacts to prevent further spread.

The Evolving Threat: What’s New in 2025

Fraudsters are migrating to chat apps (OTT services) and using foreign numbers, which are harder for telcos to block.
IMSI catchers and fake cell towers are used to send spoofed SMS, bypassing network filters.
Globe and TM are deploying advanced network probes and AI-driven filtering to detect and neutralize these new threats.

Conclusion

Globe and TM have invested heavily in technology, partnerships, and public education to fight spam and scam messages. But your vigilance is the final and most important defense. By enabling filters, blocking suspicious numbers, never clicking unknown links, and reporting every scam attempt, you help protect yourself and the entire community.

FAQ’S

How do I block spam on TM/Globe SIM?


	Enable built-in filters, dial *123#, or manually block numbers as detailed above.

How do I report a scam message?

Use Globe’s #StopSPAM portal, NTC, or law enforcement as explained above.

What if spam still gets through?

Report it and consider using third-party anti-spam apps for extra protection.

Will Globe or TM ever ask for my password?

No. Never share passwords or OTPs via SMS or call.

Is SIM registration necessary?

Yes, it’s required for access to these protections and for legal compliance.

How to track a scammer through phone number in Philippines?

Tracing phone numbers is possible through call records, location triangulation, or IP tracing (if the scam involves messaging apps). The situation is not as straightforward as it seems. In call records, telecom companies keep information about the number called, the time of the call, and sometimes the location of the call.

Is there a way to block scam text messages?

Spam texts can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM) to allow your wireless provider to identify similar messages and block them in the future. You can report junk or spam through your messenger app: Most messaging apps, like Messages on iPhone and Android's default app, allow you to do this directly.

How do I report scam messages in the Philippines?

Telcos can be ordered to block numbers associated with scams and investigate the source of fraudulent messages by the NTC. NTC can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling 8-921-3251.

Blocking Scam and Spam Messages on TM & Globe SIM in the Philippines (2025)

Why Are Scam and Spam Messages a Threat

Prerequisite: SIM Registration