Expanded Measures by ACMA Targeting Phone Fraud Scams

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has launched a consultation on new regulatory arrangements for using SMS sender IDs, with the aim of restoring consumer confidence and rebuilding trust in the use of telephone numbers and brands. The consultation, which is open until April 28, 2025, comes as part of the government's Fighting Scams initiative, announced in late 2024.

The draft Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 outlines proposed rules to disrupt SMS scams impersonating well-known brands and government agencies. According to the draft standard, SMS sent using unregistered sender IDs will be over-stamped with the warning 'Likely SCAM'. This is intended to protect the use of SMS sent using text-based sender IDs and to help consumers identify potential scams.

The SMS sender ID register, scheduled to commence by December 15, 2025, is part of the ACMA's efforts to rebuild confidence in the use of SMS as a safe communication channel. The ACMA has previously registered the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMS Code in July 2022, and telcos have reported blocking over 2.3 billion scam calls and over 857.4 million scam SMS under this code.

In addition to the SMS sender ID register, the ACMA is simultaneously exploring other potential scam reduction initiatives applicable to the telco sector. This exploration of innovative scam reduction initiatives will help inform considerations of effective scam controls in Australia in the short to medium-term future.

The ACMA is also consulting on arrangements to support the implementation of the mandatory SMS sender ID register. The consultation, which is open until 30 November 2025, is available online, and responses are encouraged from all interested parties.

The new regulatory arrangements are intended to restore trust in SMS that use sender IDs as a safe communication channel, and to help protect consumers from potential scams. The ACMA is committed to continuing its work to combat scams and to ensure that consumers can communicate safely and confidently using SMS.