Scammers are increasingly using SMS (commonly referred to as text messages) to impersonate businesses and other organisations, making it harder to distinguish genuine communications from fraudulent ones. To help strengthen trust in SMS communications, new protections have been introduced, including the SMS Sender ID Register.
What is the SMS Sender ID Register?
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has introduced the SMS Sender ID Register, which requires organisations using branded SMS Sender IDs to register them. A Sender ID is the name that appears at the top of a text message instead of a mobile phone number.
The Register helps verify who is sending branded SMS messages, giving consumers greater confidence when receiving messages from businesses.
You can see examples of how unverified messages will look here.
Why has it been introduced?
The Register has been introduced to help address impersonation scams, where criminals pose as legitimate businesses or organisations in an attempt to obtain personal information, banking details or security codes.
By requiring Sender IDs to be registered, the new system aims to reduce the misuse of business names in SMS communications and make it easier to recognise authentic messages.
What does this mean for Members?
The SMS Sender ID Register provides an additional layer of protection for consumers, but it does not remove the risk of scams entirely.
Criminals continue to use a range of methods to target Australians, including phone calls, emails, text messages, social media and messaging apps. For this reason, it's important to remain cautious of unexpected communications and independently verify any request before taking action.
How can you check if a message is genuine?
If you receive a message claiming to be from a business or organisation, but the sender ID is unverified, consider the following:
- Were you expecting the communication?
- Is there pressure to act immediately?
- Are you being asked to click a link or open an attachment?
- Is the sender requesting personal information, passwords, PINs or security codes?
- Does the request seem unusual or different from previous interactions?
If you're unsure whether a message is legitimate:
- Contact the organisation directly using details obtained from its official website, app or previous correspondence.
- Avoid using phone numbers, links or contact details provided in the message.
- Never share passwords, PINs or one-time passcodes in response to an unexpected request.
Taking a few moments to verify a communication can help protect your personal information and finances.
How Queensland Country Bank Can Help
If you think you may have been impacted by a scam, contact your local Queensland Country Bank branch or our Contact Centre on 1800 075 078 immediately. Acting quickly may allow us to help secure your accounts and discuss the next steps available to you.
It is also important to report scams to Scamwatch and, where appropriate, your local police., as this can help authorities stop scammers and help protect others.
Stay Scam Aware
Protecting our Members from scams is a key priority at Queensland Country Bank. As a proud Member of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and a participant in the Scam-Safe Accord, we are committed to supporting scam awareness, strengthening fraud prevention and helping our Members bank with confidence.
While the SMS Sender ID Register is a welcome addition to Australia's scam prevention measures, staying vigilant remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself.
Stop. Check. Protect.
If you're ever unsure about a message, contact the organisation directly before responding or taking any action.