SMS Sender ID Register a new weapon to help defeat scammers

The ABA welcomes the passage of the SMS Sender ID Register legislation as one more weapon in Australia’s arsenal to win the war on scams.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh said this new registry will help to disrupt the business models for SMS impersonation scammers and make Australia a harder target for scam activity.

“Scammers usually reach their victims via email, phone, SMS or social media, and this register will make it harder for these criminals to use mass text messages to steal money,” Ms Bligh said.

“The passing of this legislation is the first step in establishing this register. The ABA encourages the Government to ensure it is mandatory to protect Australians from the scourge of scams.

“Ultimately, winning the war against scammers can only be achieved through a collective effort across the economy, including from government, banks, telcos and social media platforms.

“This will be an important tool for telcos to disrupt scams and complements additional protections from banks through our industry’s Scam-Safe Accord.”

The Scam-Safe Accord includes:

• A $100 million investment by banks in a new confirmation of payee system, ensuring people can confirm they are transferring money to the person they intend to
• Introducing more warnings and payment delays to protect customers
• Adopting further technology and controls to help prevent identity fraud, such as the use of at least one biometric check for new individual customers opening accounts
• Investing in a major expansion of intelligence sharing across the sector
• All banks to implement anti-scams strategies.