GOGOLOOK, a global TrustTech company has recorded a decline in scam text messages but cautioned the public over the rising number of scam calls in the first quarter.
According to its report, SMS or short message service scams declined to 648,238 in the first quarter of 2025, marking a decrease of 43.2% from the 1.14 million SMS scams recorded in the same period last year.
Majority of the SMS scams logged in the January-to-March period this year were mainly loan availment-related scams making up for the 55% of the SMS scams recorded in the period; followed by VIP rewards; collections related; transaction verification, job application and delivery related scams.
Further, although the company saw a steep decline in SMS scams, it noted that scam calls rose in the first quarter of 2025.
For the three months to March, Whoscall recorded a total of 351,699 scam calls, more than triple the 108,157 scam calls logged in the comparable period in 2024.
The decreasing scam messages and risky links sent via text messages represent a positive step forward against combating scams, the company said, adding that the public should still need to be vigilant and cautious against scams as scammers are becoming more sophisticated by changing their tactics.
“The increase in scam calls clearly demonstrates a shift in scammers’ tactics,” Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño said.
“While the significant decline in scam messages and risky URLs represents a positive step forward, the concurrent rise in scam calls underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and collaborative efforts.”
System software company Gogolook is the developer of Whoscall. The application offers caller identification, distinguishing between safe contacts and potential scammers.
Headquartered in Taiwan, Gogolook utilizes its database and advanced artificial intelligence technology to provide services in communication fraud prevention and financial technology. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
