Text Scams Go Underground After POGO Shutdown

Text scams adopt “guerilla operations” after POGO shutdown deadline. Smaller teams now operate independently, says DICT Sec. Uy.

MANILA – Text scams have transitioned to a "guerilla" operational model following the shutdown of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), according to Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy. 

This strategic shift involves smaller, dispersed teams operating independently, a significant departure from their previous large-scale operations conducted within POGO facilities. 

This assessment aligns with recent reports from government authorities indicating that POGOs are pursuing more decentralized, small-scale operations in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to shut down the industry.

Uy's statement coincided with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group's (PNP ACG) announcement of the arrest of a Malaysian national for selling illegal text-blasting equipment online. This arrest underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat these scams, even as their tactics become more elusive. Previously, scammers leveraged the extensive infrastructure of POGOs, operating from large buildings housing numerous personnel and sophisticated equipment.

The POGO ban, formalized by President Marcos Jr. through an executive order after his July State of the Nation Address, mandated complete closure by December 31, 2024. 

This deadline has compelled scammers to adapt their methods, resulting in the current "guerilla" approach characterized by smaller, more mobile operations. Authorities are actively monitoring this evolving threat and implementing countermeasures.

Furthermore, Secretary Uy issued a strong warning to political candidates against the use of text blasters for campaign purposes, stating that such actions could seriously jeopardize their campaigns. 

"We will confiscate equipment, file criminal charges, and potentially involve the Comelec if we find these devices being used to promote specific candidates," he affirmed. "We are monitoring this activity closely."

Read related article: China, ASEAN To Team Up Vs. Online Gambling, Telecom Fraud