The ACMA has directed bulk messaging company SMSGlobal to comply with anti-scam rules after finding it breached the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code.
An 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. 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. Telcos must also share scam information with other telcos and government agencies.
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.
