Telcos will soon be required to block texts from scammers posing as trusted brands.

The Australian government has announced a new mandatory SMS Sender ID Register to combat the increasing prevalence of SMS scams. 

The initiative - due to be operational by late 2025 - aims to block scam messages at their source by requiring telecommunications providers to verify the legitimacy of messages sent under brand names.  

The federal government says it is committed to protecting Australians from fraudulent activity. 

Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, says the register is “an important tool to protect hard-working Australians from increasingly sophisticated and organised scammers”.  

Under the proposed system, telecommunications providers must confirm that messages claiming to originate from trusted brands, such as banks or government services, correspond to verified sender details on the Register. 

Messages that fail to meet this requirement will either be blocked or marked with a warning.  

The register aims to address SMS scams, the most commonly reported scam delivery method in Australia. 

The government says it should ensure greater security for consumers and legitimate organisations, disrupt scammers' operations, and restore public trust in SMS communications.  

An allocation of $10 million in the 2023-24 Federal Budget will be used support the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in developing and maintaining the system. 

The initiative builds on a pilot program conducted with major brands such as National Australia Bank and the Australian Taxation Office.  

The plan aligns with broader government measures, including the $168 million investment to tackle scams, the establishment of the National Anti-Scam Centre, and the introduction of the Scams Prevention Framework. 

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the announcement. 

CEO Anna Bligh said the register would serve as “a critical preventative measure in the fight against scammers”.

The ACMA will consult with stakeholders next year to finalise the industry standard and establish systems for the register. A transition period will allow organisations to register their Sender IDs before full implementation. 

Meanwhile, the pilot program initiated in December 2023 will remain in operation.  

ACMA will also work with international counterparts to share intelligence and strategies to combat scam activities.  

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