Whoscall, the anti-scam mobile app from Taiwanese company Gogolook, has released its first-quarter 2025 report, revealing a significant decline in SMS scams and a sharp increase in scam calls in the Philippines.
SMS Scams Drop by Over 68%
Whoscall’s data shows a drastic 68.3% decrease in SMS scams, with 648,239 incidents recorded in the first quarter of 2025. This is a substantial drop compared to 2,079,968 SMS scams during the same period in 2024. The decline continues a positive trend, with a 43.3% year-on-year reduction from the 1,143,268 SMS scams reported in the first quarter of 2024. According to Gogolook Philippines Country Head Mel Migriño, this drop suggests that efforts to combat SMS scams are making headway.
Scam Calls Surge by Over 74%
However, while SMS scams have decreased, scam calls have seen a troubling rise. Whoscall recorded 351,699 scam calls in the first quarter of 2025, a 74.32% increase from 201,760 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Even more concerning is the year-on-year surge, with scam calls jumping by 225.17% from 108,157 in the first quarter of 2024. This sharp rise signals that scammers are shifting their focus to voice-based schemes.
Introducing the “Content Checker” Feature
In response to the growing threat of more sophisticated AI-driven scams, Whoscall has launched a new “Content Checker” feature. This tool helps users detect fraudulent content by analyzing screenshots using advanced AI technology and Whoscall’s large database. Migriño explained that scammers are now using AI to create more convincing messages and fake content, making it harder for users to spot scams. The Content Checker aims to protect users by identifying and assessing the credibility of content found across various platforms, including SMS and social media.
With the rise of scam calls and increasingly realistic scams, Whoscall continues to innovate in its efforts to keep users safe.
