Globe warns subscribers against e-mail hoax

By Erwin Lemuel Oliva, INQ7.net

GLOBE Telecom warned its subscribers of a hoax spreading via forwarded e-mail messages, announcing that a group of people is able to access a subscribers' identification module (SIM) and make calls at the subscriber’s expense.
"We have conducted tests and results showed that it is not true that others can access your SIM card and make free calls just by pressing #90 or #09 on your mobile phone," Globe lawyer Froilan Castelo told INQ7.net.

He stressed that their GSM network is designed with stringent levels of built-in security. "With constant enhanced transmission protocols, GSM remains the most secure public wireless standard in the world," Castelo said.

The hoax e-mail comes with a subject: "Globe Telecom Warnings." It goes on to claim that it is a very important warning.

"Please note the following if you are using the mobile. If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or telling that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number, end this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud[ulent] company using a device that, once you press #90 or #09, can access your SIM card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as you can, to stop it," the e-mail message reads.