Anne Stanley MP

Government Whip

Member for Werriwa

Protecting Australians from SMS scams

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has registered new rules that will protect Australians against SMS scams. The Albanese government has welcomed these rules, which will require all telecommunications providers to identify, trace and block SMS scams.

Ms Anne Stanley said, “Most Australians have either received a scam text message or know someone who has. It is time to stop and disrupt the business models of these scammers.”

According to the ACCC ScamWatch data, financial losses from SMS scams this year to date increased by 188% compared to the same period in 2021.

“We must help protect our most vulnerable Australians against scammers accessing their bank accounts, social media and online businesses,” said Ms Stanley. “While these measures will improve and protect this should serve as a reminder to everyone to be careful when making transactions online”.

These new rules are in addition to anti-scam rules implemented on the 30th June 2022 that require telecommunication providers to use multi-factor authentication before approving high-risk customer transactions.

Providers found breaching these rules and directives by the ACMA could face penalties of up to $250,000.

Media Contact: Anne Stanley MP (02) 8783 0977