Smart, Sam YG Empower Customers on Scams and Digital Habits

As digital threats grow alongside rapid technological advancement, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is strengthening its push to equip Filipinos with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.

 

At its recent Customer Day at the Smart Store in SM North EDSA Cyberzone, the spotlight went beyond connectivity — focusing instead on education and responsible digital behavior, and empowering customers to make the most of today's digital world.

 

Smart Customer Day is a celebration of the customers who continue to place their trust in Smart. Customers enjoyed exclusive event-only promos on devices and connectivity, while taking part in interactive activities and practical learning sessions designed to help them stay informed, connected, and confident in an increasingly digital world.

 

Through its SCAMpaign, Smart continues to raise awareness on evolving online threats, helping subscribers recognize, avoid, and report scams in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

 

Customers also learned practical digital payment habits, including the benefits of cashless transactions, protecting financial information online, and adopting safe payment practices that make everyday transactions more convenient and secure

 

"This initiative reflects Smart's broader commitment in ensuring that customers are not only connected but also protected and empowered. We hope that through the Smart Customer Day, they can have fun and learn skills that can help them maximize the use of their mobile devices and safely navigate the online world," said Brenda M. Dichoso, FVP for Customer Experience at Smart.

 

Event host, content creator, and Smart brand ambassador Sam YG underscored the importance of responsible technology use, particularly in an era shaped by information overload and rapidly evolving online risks.

 

“Ang daming scams, fake news, so it’s also good to have these events so that we could properly discuss how to use this privilege, this power properly," he shared. “Inasmuch as we are blessed with technology, it’s very important to be vigilant, to check if what we’ve digested is actually true, or baka fake news or scam. While tech is improving, scams are also improving.”

 

Guests also got to experience emerging technologies firsthand through a demonstration of Rokid augmented reality glasses, showcasing how innovation can enhance productivity, collaboration, and everyday digital experiences.

 

For long-time Smart subscribers, this focus on education and protection resonates deeply in everyday life — where reliable connectivity powers work, family responsibilities, and digital interactions.

 

“We won't be staying with Smart for 30 years if we’re not getting the right services. We feel valued as customers,” shared Jackie Rose Caez, emphasizing how dependable service supports her family’s work-from-home and online learning needs.

 

Subscriber Jose B. Montalbo, Jr., who frequently works in the field, echoed the importance of both connectivity and awareness. “That’s exactly the reason why I stick with Smart. Mas maganda ang signal sa probinsya, you have promos na swak na swak."

 

By bringing together education, real-life experiences, and expert insights, Smart continues to reinforce its role as a partner in customers’ digital journeys — one that goes beyond service to enable safer, more informed online participation.

 

“At Smart, we go beyond connectivity by listening to our customers and equipping them with the knowledge to stay safe, informed, and confident in the digital space,” said FVP and co-OIC at Smart Lloyd R. Manaloto.

 

From scam awareness to social media tips, Smart Customer Day showcased how mobile connectivity empowers everyday life, whether for work, creativity, or staying safe online. With more events lined up nationwide, Smart Customer Day will continue to highlight Smart’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable mobile experiences while bringing joy, learning, and meaningful connection to customers across the country.

GCash Rolls Out in-app OTPs via Push Notifications to Combat Phishing Scams, Fraud this June 2026

GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance super app and largest cashless ecosystem, is set to roll out its In-App One-Time Passwords (OTPs) feature by June 22, replacing SMS-based authentication as part of its strengthened cybersecurity measures against phishing scams and financial fraud. As GCash transitions to In-App OTPs, users are encouraged to ensure that push notifications are enabled to avoid any disruption on transactions and account activities.

 

With this latest security enhancement, users now receive their OTPs through secure push notifications directly within the app, providing a safer and more seamless verification experience. 

 

This move by the country’s leading finance super app complies with the directive of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to phase out SMS-based OTPs by June 30, 2026. The measure aligns with the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA), which aims to strengthen cybersecurity safeguards and curb the growing incidence of digital fraud.

 

For years, SMS-based OTPs have been targeted by scammers as a means of accessing user accounts. The switch to In-App OTPs is an important step toward addressing these vulnerabilities. By sending OTP requests directly to the user’s authenticated GCash app, GCash ensures that only the intended users can receive and use the unique OTPs, protecting them from unauthorized access. 

 

Instant, one-tap authentication also removes the need to switch apps, type codes, or wait for text messages to arrive, resulting in faster transactions and removing exposure to SMS OTPs that scammers and fraudsters can exploit.

 

“Our upgrade to In-App OTPs is a strategic move to put an end to phishable SMS OTPs. We will shift users to instant, GCash app-verified authentication, to increase the security of their daily transactions,” said Miguel Geronilla, Chief Information Security Officer of GCash.

 

The introduction of In-App OTPs is part of the broader strategy of GCash to enhance security through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a well-established industry standard that adds multiple layers of protection when accessing an account. MFA greatly reduces the risk of account takeovers, even if passwords or MPINs are compromised.

 

GCash has consistently invested in stronger protection systems, including Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification and Facial Recognition verification (Double Safe). In-App OTPs build on these existing measures, enhancing security without adding unnecessary friction to the user experience.

 

As digital scams continue to evolve, GCash remains committed to proactively enhancing platform security and setting higher standards for safe and secure digital finance in the Philippines. 

For more information, visit www.gcash.com.