SMS ID Register

Is your inbox overflowing with suspicious texts from fake banks and the tax office?  The fight against SMS scams is heating up! ​

Government Cracks Down on SMS Scams with New Sender ID Register

Australians can expect greater protection from text message scams thanks to a new government initiative. New legislation proposes an SMS sender ID register, making it harder for scammers to impersonate legitimate businesses.
Under the scheme, companies sending SMS with their business name as the sender ID can register their details with a central database. This will allow telecommunication providers (telcos) to identify and block messages from imposters trying to mimic organisations like banks or the Australian Taxation Office. Suspicious numbers might be blocked altogether, or recipients may receive warnings about potential scams.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will manage the register, building upon a successful trial that began in December 2023. Text messages are a favourite tool for scammers, with Scamwatch reporting a staggering $27 million lost in 2023 alone.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland emphasises the register's role in disrupting the business model of SMS scammers. "This initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of impersonation scams targeting consumers," she stated in parliament. "While there's been progress, Australians are still losing too much money. A single solution won't eliminate scams entirely."
The legislation establishing the register is currently before parliament, with one key detail still under discussion: whether participation will be voluntary or mandatory for businesses.
The rise of text-based scams is alarming, with a 37% increase reported in 2023 compared to the previous year. Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones highlights the register's potential to impede scammers. "These criminals are ruthless, and our government is committed to hindering their operations and protecting Australians," he declared. "Our anti-scam efforts have led to a decrease in scam losses for the first time since 2016, and the SMS register represents another crucial step towards safeguarding people's finances."

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