Scammers in Australia are increasingly turning to text messages as a means to defraud unsuspecting individuals. The tactic involves exploiting trust in institutions like banks and government organizations, leading to significant financial losses for Australians. Recent data shows a sharp rise in reported instances of scam text messages, with a 37% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
To combat this growing issue, authorities have implemented measures such as an industry code that requires businesses to verify sender identities and block suspicious messages. Businesses found breaching this code could face fines of up to $250,000. Telecommunication companies like Telstra and Optus are also stepping up their efforts by introducing anti-scam measures to protect customers. These measures include blocking millions of scam messages and providing reporting numbers for customers to report suspicious texts.
As the battle against scam text messages continues, companies are working diligently to crack down on fraudulent activities and ensure the safety and security of their customers. Through a combination of regulatory measures and technological solutions, the aim is to minimize the impact of these scams and safeguard individuals from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.