Several telecommunications companies in the Philippines are strengthening efforts to combat digital scams as growing fears of online fraud threaten consumer confidence in the Philippines’ expanding digital economy.
The initiative comes as a new report from the GSMA revealed that 76 percent of Filipino consumers surveyed are extremely worried about falling victim to scams, while 62 percent have avoided online interactions or transactions because of fraud concerns.
Despite these challenges, the Philippines ranked joint third among 11 ASEAN markets in the GSMA Digital Nations Index 2026, reflecting the country’s continued progress in digital connectivity and adoption.
During the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila on last week, Globe Telecom, PLDT/Smart, and DITO Telecommunity outlined measures to improve network security, strengthen identity verification, and explore technologies capable of detecting fraudulent activities before consumers suffer financial losses.
GSMA Asia Pacific Head Julian Gorman warned that maintaining the country’s digital growth would require stronger coordination among telecommunications providers, financial institutions, technology platforms, and government agencies.
“The Philippines has real digital momentum, but sustaining that progress depends on trust. Scams move across communications channels, digital platforms and payment systems, so protecting consumers requires action across the digital ecosystem,” Gorman said.
Central to the initiative is the GSMA United Against Scams Playbook, which provides mobile operators with practical approaches to preventing, detecting, and responding to fraudulent activities across telecommunications networks.
Globe, Smart, and DITO are also supporting the development of GSMA Open Gateway capabilities designed to help businesses strengthen customer identity verification and authentication during digital transactions.
These technologies could provide additional safeguards against identity fraud and unauthorized transactions, particularly as more Filipinos rely on digital banking, online shopping, and electronic payment services.
Beyond network and transaction security, the GSMA is exploring the use of telecommunications data and network signals to identify suspicious activities at an earlier stage.
In the Philippines, the initiative is being tested through a GSMA Foundry proof of concept involving Globe Telecom, with the aim of determining whether network-based indicators can help other digital service providers intervene before scams cause harm.
Gorman emphasized that the telecommunications industry must move beyond commitments and develop solutions that deliver measurable protection to consumers.
“Mobile operators have capabilities that can make a real difference,” he pointed out, stressing the importance of translating emerging technologies into practical safeguards.
The GSMA Digital Nation Summit Manila gathered government policymakers, telecommunications executives, and technology leaders under the theme “Building the Philippines’ Digital Future: Anchoring Trust to Accelerate Value.”
Discussions focused on digital security, connectivity, and public-private partnerships aimed at sustaining the country’s digital transformation.
With online fraud emerging as a major obstacle to consumer confidence, the GSMA said stronger industry collaboration and wider adoption of security technologies would be essential to building a safer and more trusted digital economy.