Telcos blocking scam text messages in the millions – on average 16 for every Aussie Adult!

Have you noticed a decrease in the number of scam messages you’re getting? If so, you can thank the telcos and the ACMA, but of course, scammers may well have upped the amount of spam they are sending so for some, the difference may not be noticable.

However, it’s undeniable that there is work being done by Telcos to block Scam messages, with the ACMA reporting that the telcos together have blocked 336.7 Million Scam text messages since July 2022.

The numbers come from a new level of reporting under the ACMA’s Reducing Scam calls and SMS industry code, and ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin says it’s a big number “These figures provide stark evidence of the scale of scam activity, with approximately 16 scam texts being blocked for every adult in the country.

“There is no single or easy solution to address scams, however every scam stopped is a win for consumers and helps make Australia a harder target for these criminal syndicates.

“These are promising results to report during Scams Awareness Week as telcos build their capability to help stop the relentless attacks by scammers,” Ms O’Loughlin said.

In addition to the work being done, the ACMA is currently developing a pilot program to test a “Sender ID registry” to protect message headers – those “word” sender names like your Bank or MyGov so that that level of impersonation simply cannot go on.

That’s part of a “Fighting Scams” initiative the government introduced, and supports the work of the new National Anti-Scam centre which began operations in July this year.

However, we all need to remain vigilant, especially at this time of year as Ms O’Loughlin says “The lead up to the end-of-year holidays is often used by scammers to step up their activities – including via fake parcel delivery messages,”

“We encourage Australians to think about who’s really contacting them and to discuss how to identify scams with their friends, family and loved ones.

“It pays to slow down and think before acting on a call or message, and always research and independently check who you’re dealing with.”

And, most importantly, REPORT ALL SCAM CALLS AND MESSAGES to Scamwatch. I’ve spoken to the people who operate Scamwatch and they want to hear about every single scam message, to help them track and trace trends and possibly even involve law enforcement in their actions.