Bulk messaging company SMSGlobal has been directed by Australia’s communication and media services regulator to comply with anti-scam rules after finding it breached the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found the business allowed over one million SMS to be sent using message headers (shortened business names) without sufficient checks to ensure their use was legitimate.
According to ACMA, the investigation also uncovered evidence that some scammers had used the vulnerabilities to send SMS brand impersonation scams using the message headers of well-known brands like AusPost, NAB and ANZ.
The Industry Code places obligations on telcos to monitor for scams and to take disruption action when scams are identified - and telcos must also share scam information with other telcos and government agencies.
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“Disrupting SMS impersonation scams is an ACMA compliance priority and telcos may face penalties of up to $250,000 for breaching an ACMA direction to comply with an industry code,” cautions ACMA, adding that “if you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank and phone company immediately” - and . ”help other Australians by reporting scams to Scamwatch. ”
IDCARE can help if your identity has been compromised or stolen and can be contacted on 1800 595 160 or at idcare.org. For information on how to spot – and stop – phone scams, visit acma.gov.au/scams.