NTC Orders Mobile Phone Makers, Sellers to Inform Users of Features vs Text Scams

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) issued a memorandum order to all mobile phone manufacturers, distributors, and dealers on Sept. 14 in a bid to protect mobile users from text scams.

The NTC said it met with the representatives of the abovementioned on Sept. 13 to talk about how users can be protected from these scams.

Representatives told the NTC that their mobile phones have protective features against text scams for users, such as the capability to block "unknown numbers and/or divert scam messages to folders similar to email spam folders."

In its Memorandum Order No: 006-09-2022, the NTC directed the representatives to follow measures that would inform the public on how to utilize these protective phone features. These include, but are not limited to:

• Giving users directions on how to block texts from unknown numbers and create a spam folder in their inboxes. The NTC said these instructions must be shared through the manufacturer's websites and social media accounts.
• Mobile phone makers, distributors, and dealers must install educational posters in physical stores showing buyers how to "use, enable or activate the text blocking, spam folder, and other similar features in their phones."
• Lastly, makers, distributors, and dealers must include a leaflet on how to use and activate these protective features in every new phone package.

The NTC ordered the representatives to implement the measures 15 days after its issuance.

The measures will thus, also, "form part of the mandatory requirements for type approval/acceptance and related permits for customer premises equipment, particularly mobile phone products filed before the Commission," the NTC said.