The ACMA worked closely with Communications Alliance to develop a code that enables telcos to identify, trace, block and take down suspicious SMS messages before they reach their intended recipients. Telcos are now obligated to implement systems that will detect any suspicious activity associated with scam short messages, such as those sent from overseas or via third-party applications. Furthermore, telcos must send out monthly reports detailing the number of scam short messages identified and blocked over the past month, as well as any other steps taken by them to reduce fraud.

This new industry code also requires telcos to improve their customer education initiatives around early detection of SMS scams. This includes providing customers with information about how to identify suspicious texts, what steps can be taken if they receive such texts, and where they can go for support after becoming a victim of fraud. By educating consumers on how to spot warning signs of potential scams through their telco bills or notifications they receive via text message, the ACMA hopes that people will be able to avoid becoming victims in the first place.

According to ACCC Scamwatch data, financial losses from SMS scams this year to date increased by 188 per cent compared to the same period in 2021 – from around $2.3 million to over $6.5 million. SMS scams accounted for about 32 per cent of all reported scams to date this year.

The Benefits of These New Rules

With these new rules in place, Australia should now become a much harder target for scammers looking to exploit vulnerable people for their own gain. Telcos now have an obligation to identify potential scam short messages before they reach their intended recipients so that fewer people are exposed to these types of messages in the first place. Furthermore, by providing customers with better educational initiatives on how to spot suspicious text messages and taking steps towards improving customer safety and security when using telecommunications services, Australians should now feel more secure when using their mobile devices or landline phones.

The new rules released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) are an important step towards providing better protection against SMS scams in Australia. Not only do these rules allow telcos to quickly identify suspicious texts before they reach their intended recipients but it also allows them to take proactive measures when it comes preventing future fraud attempts by educating consumers on how to spot warning signs of potential scams through text message notifications or via their bill statements. With these rules in place, Australians can now feel more secure when using telecommunications services such as mobile phones or landlines knowing that there are measures being taken by both telcos and regulators alike towards reducing fraud attempts throughout Australia.

Steps message recipients can take to prevent scams

Steps message recipients can take to prevent being victimised by spam include:

(i) protecting their personal information and not sharing it with unknown or unsolicited callers;

(ii) contacting their financial institution immediately if they believe they have lost money to a scammer;

(iii) changing default PINs and passwords on newly acquired customer equipment; (iv) selecting strong PINs and passwords (e.g. Not “1234” or “0000" or “password” etc.);

(v) locking devices with secure PINs;

(vi) ensuring that voicemail PINs are secure;

(vii) disabling PABX ports and features that are not used (e.g. remote call-forwarding); (viii) changing PINs and passwords regularly;

(ix) not responding to missed calls or SMs from unknown international Numbers, unknown Australian Numbers or an unknown source;

(x) not clicking on URLs or making return calls to telephone Numbers contained in the SM from unknown international Numbers or unknown Australian Numbers or an unknown source;

(xi) Blocking suspicious or unknown Australian Numbers or international Numbers on devices and use of Blocking services or products, where available, on landlines; and

(xii) allowing unknown calls to go to voicemail and then listening to any message left to ascertain if this might be a genuine call.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank and phone company immediately and report it to Scamwatch.

Contact IDCARE if you’ve had personal details stolen.