Telecom Review Asia
The GSMA Asia Pacific Cross-Sector Anti-Scam Taskforce (ACAST) is urging governments and law enforcement agencies to enhance their support in protecting citizens from the rising threat of mobile scams, particularly those involving SMS Blasters.
SMS Blasters are becoming a significant challenge for mobile network operators in the Asia Pacific region in the battle against digital scams. These portable devices, resembling fake mobile base stations, can easily fit into a car trunk or backpack, allowing criminals to send thousands of scam text messages to nearby mobile users.
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They can automatically configure to the local network and require no technical skills to operate. By positioning SMS Blasters close to their targets, criminals can bypass legitimate mobile networks and evade anti-spam measures.
Recent reports from mobile network operators and law enforcement indicate that SMS Blaster-related criminal activities are occurring across various Asia Pacific markets, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Digital scams are a growing concern in the region. A new survey commissioned by the GSMA revealed that nearly 8% of consumers in the ASEAN region have fallen victim to scams in the past year. Worries about digital fraud are widespread, with over two-thirds (67%) of consumers expressing significant concern about the threat, and 84% believing that scams are on the rise.
In light of this escalating threat, ACAST members are calling on their governments and law enforcement to make the sale, purchase, possession, and use of SMS Blasters illegal. At the GSMA Digital Nation Summit in Kuala Lumpur (ASEAN Edition), ACAST announced its initiative to coordinate a unified industry response to the SMS Blaster threat.
Launched earlier this year, the GSMA-led ACAST aims to unite mobile network operators and digital platforms across 16 countries in a collaborative effort against scams through intelligence sharing, public awareness, and technical innovation. ACAST currently includes over 30 members, including major mobile operators like AIS, Bharti Airtel, CelcomDigi, Globe, M1, Maxis, Reliance Jio, Singtel, and True.
“Consumers across Asia lost nearly USD 700 billion to digital scams, including from phishing scams sent by SMS Blasters. This is a problem that can’t be left unchecked. Otherwise, it will grow, causing harm to the public and [will] damage trust in digital commerce,” stated Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA.
There is no legitimate reason why people should be able to purchase these devices over the internet. That’s why we’re calling on the mobile industry, law enforcement, and governments to act now and work together to stamp out this rising threat to societies and economies across [the] Asia Pacific.
Mobile network operators involved in ACAST are actively implementing detection techniques and monitoring spam reports to safeguard consumers from the dangers posed by SMS Blasters. Some operators are also developing tools, such as mobile apps with built-in protections that can identify and report suspicious SMS messages. Without robust deterrents, criminals will continue to acquire and use these devices, inundating consumers with harmful messages and undermining detection efforts.
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