Red Cross Warns Public vs “Smishing” Text Message Asking for Sensitive Details

Red Cross Warns Fake Staff Spreading Smishing Message Asking for Sensitive Details

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has warned the public against scammers pretending to be their staff spreading smishing messages asking for sensitive details.

The PRC has revealed about the spread of malicious text from a pretending medical staff of the International Red Cross. According to a notice issued by the PRC, the text message is a ‘smishing scam’.

“If you have received one, do not entertain it,” warned the PRC.

Red Cross Smishing

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Smishing text is a type of social engineering fraud in which people are duped into providing sensitive data or information, such as financial information. The Philippine Red Cross confirmed that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross are the only two organizations to which the Philippine Red Cross belongs.

“There is the International Federation of Red Cross, Red Crescent Societies, and International Committee of the Red Cross of which the [PRC] is a member,” explained PRC.

It was called IFRC and ICRC and not International Red Cross. The PRC warns the public to be critical and ignore any message coming from the self-proclaimed staff of the International Red Cross as it is a scam.

The Red Cross said its legal team is looking into the alleged swindle and will take legal measures against the perpetrators. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) also cautioned against “smishing,” or text-based phishing.

Raymund Liboro, NPC Commissioner, advised the public not to click on links provided through SMS from unknown callers. According to the Privacy Commissioner, the agency is currently investigating instances of smishing involving contact numbers received through contact tracing forms.

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