Scam and spam messages are designed to trick you with fake offers, urgent warnings, or links that steal your information. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Here’s how to spot a scam message.
Globe actively blocks and investigates fraudulent messages, but your reports make the system stronger.
This AI-powered tool identifies incoming calls and flags whether they're from a safe contact or a potential scammer. Its Web Checker scans links to catch malicious websites, while its ID Security feature monitors the dark web for any leaked personal information.
Developed by Globe, this always-on feature scans messages locally on your device upon activation and sends you a push notification the moment something suspicious is detected, including fake sender names and phishing links, without reading or storing any of your messages.
This is when someone uses the internet or social media to sexually abuse or exploit a child, like asking for sexual photos, paying for sexual acts online, or sharing sexual content involving minors.
It's a crime, whether the person is a stranger or someone you know.
This is any photo, video, or content that shows a child being sexually abused, even if it's AI-generated or just a screenshot.
The moment it exists and gets shared, it's already a crime.
“They said we’re friends, and friends do things together even if they’re uncomfortable."
When an adult online gives you gifts, money, or load, then asks for photos, videos, or "special favors," that's grooming. It's a manipulation tactic designed to earn your trust before exploiting it. No matter how nice they seem, this isn’t okay.
"They saw my photo. Now they're threatening me."
Being threatened to share your private photos or videos unless you give them money is sextortion. Studies show that 20% of Filipino children aged 12 to 17 experienced instances of OSAEC, being blackmailed to engage in sexual activities or having their sexual images shared.
"They said it's just a livestream. Easy money."
Many children are recruited through social media and are asked to perform sexual acts on camera for quick cash. This is a crime and abuse, even without any physical contact, and is one of the most common forms of OSAEC in the country.
"There's a video with my face, but that's not me."
Technology can now place a real person's face onto sexual content even if that person wasn’t in that video. This counts as CSAEM. If you experience this, you can report it to have it taken down, and the person who made or shared it can be prosecuted.
"They posted my old photos without asking me."
Even if the photos were taken with your consent, sharing them without your permission is a violation. "But you sent them first" is not a defense. Your consent to take a photo doesn’t mean consent to share it.
"I don't know if I'm just overreacting."
You're not overreacting. If something feels wrong, it probably is. OSAEC and CSAEM don't always feel dramatic. Sometimes they start small, with a comment, a request, a "secret." You don't have to be 100% sure before you reach out for help.
Begin with simple topics like kindness, friendship, and respect. These small talks help kids understand what healthy relationships should feel like.
Help kids spot red flags, like secret chats, private messages, or requests for photos. Let them know other people saying “Don’t tell your parents” isn’t okay.
Teach children that private parts are private. No one should ask to see, touch, or take photos of them.
Surprises are okay. Secrets that make them feel scared, confused, or uncomfortable are not.
If something feels wrong, they can leave, close the app, block the person, or call you. They don’t need to explain first.
Know the apps, games, and chats your child uses. Set privacy rules together, not as punishment, but as protection.
Tell them often, “You won’t get in trouble for telling me.” A calm first response can make it easier for kids to speak up.
If you think you have experienced OSAEC or CSAEM, it is your right to seek protection and get help. Mahalin at Kalingain ang Ating Mga Bata (Makabata) is the government's 24/7 dedicated lifeline for children and youth who need protection, intervention, or just someone to talk to.
Being constantly online makes children and young adults more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, abuse, identity theft, cyberbullying, and other issues plaguing the internet. We must equip them and their guardians with knowledge to mitigate these online risks.
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Globe ramped up its efforts to protect Filipinos online, blocking over 484 million scam messages and shutting down 5,707 domains in the first half of 2025.
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Globe saw a notable decrease in blocked spam SMS messages in Q2 2024, indicating scammers’ shift to other channels.
