The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing tough new telco rules to protect Australians from SMS scammers.
Developed in partnership with industry body Communications Alliance, the new rules will require telcos to identify, trace, and block text messaging scams. The all-new Reducing Scam Calls and Scam Short Messages Industry Code is a response to the increasing prevalence of SMS scams, which according to the ACMA account for about 32% of all reported scams in 2022 to date.
Beginning July 12, Australian mobile providers will need to comply with the updated industry code, or face potential penalties of up to $250,000. In addition to blocking scam numbers, telcos will now need to publish information to assist customers to identify, manage and report SMS scams, and share information about SMS scams with other providers. Telcos will also be required to report identified scams to authorities.
The updated code will complement the ACMA’s newly-introduced SIM-swap scam rules, which came into effect on June 30. The ACMA has made fighting SMS and telco scams a top compliance priority for 2022-2023, with ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin stating that telco vigilance will lead to increased customer protection.
“There is no silver bullet to stop scams, but we know enforceable laws can have a significant impact and every blocked scam is a win for consumers,” said Ms O’Loughlin.
“The harder we make it for scammers, the…
