Australia’s New SMS Scam Prevention Tool Explained

The Albanese Government has taken a bold step fighting against SMS scams by introducing the SMS Sender ID Register (the Register). Over the past year, nearly half of Australians have reported receiving fraudulent messages—often from scammers pretending to be established brands. By implementing the Register, the government is making small Australian businesses a tougher target for scammers.

What is the SMS Sender ID Register?

The SMS Sender ID Register, managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), is a system that records approved sender IDs when sending SMS messages. This system enables telecommunications providers to verify whether a message is genuinely sent by an authorised entity.

Messages from unregistered sender IDs can be blocked or flagged with a warning, preventing fraudulent communications from reaching consumers.

When will the SMS Sender ID Register be implemented?

To support the development of the SMS Sender ID Register, the government has allocated $10 million over four years to ACMA to launch and maintain the Register. Preparatory work for the Register will begin in early 2025, with the system expected to open for sender ID registrations in late 2025.

Businesses are encouraged to monitor updates and proactively prepare for compliance.

What Does the SMS Sender ID Register Mean for Your Small Business?

The mandatory nature of this Register carries significant implications for small businesses. While the regulation introduces new compliance requirements, it also delivers considerable benefits:

• Brand Protection and Consumer Trust: Small businesses safeguard their brands from impersonation attempts. Scammers can no longer misuse business names, ensuring customers trust the authenticity of messages received.

• Improved Security and Fraud Prevention: Only authorised businesses can use specific sender IDs, minimising scam risks such as fake invoices and fraudulent updates. Verified sender IDs provide additional security for consumer communications.

• Unified Defense Against Scammers: The Register unites telcos, businesses, and the government to authenticate SMS messages, closing loopholes and deterring scammers by increasing security making Australia a less attractive target for fraudulent activities.