Comply with the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code
CSPs must implement controls to detect, trace and block scam calls and SMs, including SMS Sender ID Register.
Who must comply
Carriers and carriage service providers carrying voice calls and SMS (scam calls and SMS code); every Australian carrier, carriage service provider and electronic messaging service provider involved in sending, transiting or terminating SMS or MMS with sender IDs (industry standard). Carriage service providers supplying public mobile services must also notify consumers how registered and unregistered sender IDs are handled.
What triggers it
Supplying voice or SMS services; sending, transiting or terminating text messages that carry an alphanumeric sender ID from 1 July 2026.
When due
Continuous. Participation in the SMS Sender ID Register was required to keep carrying sender ID messages from 1 July 2026, and 'Unverified' over-stamping applies to messages sent or terminated from that date.
Evidence required
Scam call and SMS monitoring, tracing and blocking procedures; ACMA approval to participate in the SMS Sender ID Register; customer information published on the website; sender ID registrations lodged for customers and the verification of each customer's entitlement; over-stamping configuration and testing records.
Max penalty
A telco that is not approved to participate in the register may not send, transit or terminate SMS or MMS with sender IDs, and messages from non-participating telcos are blocked. The ACMA is the regulator for both the scam calls and SMS code and the industry standard
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
Two layers of anti-scam rules bind Australian telcos. The Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs code (C661:2022), on the ACMA's register of telco industry codes, places obligations on carriers and carriage service providers to monitor, trace and block scam calls and text messages. From 1 July 2026 the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 adds the SMS Sender ID Register, part of the Government's Fighting Scams initiative: carriers, carriage service providers and electronic messaging service providers that send, transit or terminate SMS or MMS carrying alphanumeric sender IDs (such as 'ATO' or 'myGov') must apply to the ACMA to participate. Originating telcos must tell customers about the register, offer to register sender IDs for them, and verify that each customer has a clear and legitimate reason to use the ID, such as a matching business name or trade mark. Unregistered sender IDs must be over-stamped 'Unverified'.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related
- CWLTHTelco data retention — 2 years (Part 5-1A Telecommunications Act)Carriers + CSPs must retain telco metadata for 2 years.
- CWLTHComply with Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) CodeTelcos must comply with the binding TCP Code covering credit assessment, billing, complaint handling and unwelcome contact.
- CWLTHComply with Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) for standard phone servicesTelstra + other carriers must meet CSG performance benchmarks for installations + faults.
- CWLTHCustomer Service Guarantee (CSG)Standard telephone service providers face CSG financial penalties for missed connection + repair timeframes.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code?
- Carriers and carriage service providers carrying voice calls and SMS (scam calls and SMS code); every Australian carrier, carriage service provider and electronic messaging service provider involved in sending, transiting or terminating SMS or MMS with sender IDs (industry standard). Carriage service providers supplying public mobile services must also notify consumers how registered and unregistered sender IDs are handled.
- What triggers the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code?
- Supplying voice or SMS services; sending, transiting or terminating text messages that carry an alphanumeric sender ID from 1 July 2026.
- When is the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code due?
- Continuous. Participation in the SMS Sender ID Register was required to keep carrying sender ID messages from 1 July 2026, and 'Unverified' over-stamping applies to messages sent or terminated from that date.
- What is the maximum penalty for the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code?
- A telco that is not approved to participate in the register may not send, transit or terminate SMS or MMS with sender IDs, and messages from non-participating telcos are blocked. The ACMA is the regulator for both the scam calls and SMS code and the industry standard
- What evidence is required for the Reducing Scam Calls and Scam SMs Industry Code?
- Scam call and SMS monitoring, tracing and blocking procedures; ACMA approval to participate in the SMS Sender ID Register; customer information published on the website; sender ID registrations lodged for customers and the verification of each customer's entitlement; over-stamping configuration and testing records.
Source: https://www.acma.gov.au/sms-sender-id-register-rules-telcos. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.