Authorities confiscated 16 international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers allegedly used for text blasting, a method frequently exploited in scams, during an entrapment operation in Tarlac province on Monday. The Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) arrested a 28-year-old suspect along Burgos Street in Barangay Poblacion Norte, Paniqui town, and recovered the illegal devices from his possession.
IMSI catchers, also known as “stingrays” or rogue cell towers, mimic legitimate cellular networks to trick nearby mobile phones into connecting with them. Once a phone is connected, the device can intercept text messages, calls, and data traffic, track the phone’s location, and even send mass SMS broadcasts without the need for a database, SIM card, or WiFi. These devices are commonly used for fraudulent activities, including election-related messaging and scams.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has previously warned the public about the dangers of IMSI catchers, particularly their presence in public areas where they can secretly monitor mobile communications. Authorities suspect that these devices are being used for illicit surveillance and mass text scams that target unsuspecting victims.
This recent seizure follows similar operations in Metro Manila. Earlier this month, police recovered an IMSI catcher from a former security guard of an offshore gaming operator in Pasay City. In January, a Malaysian national was arrested for possessing the same illegal device. Law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on the use of IMSI catchers to prevent their exploitation in cybercrimes and fraudulent activities.