PNP-ACG arrests 2 for SMS phishing using IMSI catchers

Two men were arrested by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) for allegedly using IMSI catchers in SMS phishing scams in Mandaluyong and Makati.

The arrests were made on October 16 through Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECDs).

Four IMSI catchers, text blasters, and other ICT equipment were confiscated from the suspects.

These seized devices were turned over to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for examination.

The ACG received intelligence reports about individuals using vehicles with IMSI catchers in areas like Makati, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and Mall of Asia (MOA) to send smishing links.

Authorities warn that replying to these fraudulent text messages can lead to the compromise of personal identification and other sensitive information.