Australia’s Anti-Scam Model: A Global Reference Point for Combating Scam Calls and SMS

Scam calls and fraudulent SMS have become a systemic challenge for the global communications ecosystem. They erode consumer trust, exploit international routing and spoofing techniques, and impose significant financial and social harm. While scams are a global problem, some markets are demonstrating that coordinated, data-driven action can materially reduce their impact.

From the perspective of the i3Forum Technology Workgroup, Australia stands out as a compelling reference marketfor how regulators, telecommunications providers, financial institutions, digital platforms, and consumer bodies can align around a shared anti-scam strategy.

Evidence That Coordinated Action Works

Australia’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) has published clear evidence that a whole-of-ecosystem approach can deliver measurable results. In 2024, reported scam losses in Australia fell by more than 25% year-on-year, alongside a significant reduction in the number of scam reports. These outcomes are particularly notable given the continued sophistication and adaptability of scam operations.

From a technology and network perspective, the report highlights the role of early detection, rapid disruption, and intelligence sharing in reducing scam reach across voice and messaging channels.

Telecommunications as a Critical Control Point

Australia’s experience reinforces a key principle long recognized by the i3Forum Technology Workgroup: telecommunications networks are a critical control point in the scam lifecycle.

Specific measures highlighted in the Australian model include:

• Large-scale blocking of scam calls and scam SMS by operators under an industry code
• Systematic sharing of suspect phone numbers and SMS sender IDs with telecommunications providers for coordinated disruption
• The introduction of a mandatory SMS Sender ID registry to prevent brand and government impersonation
• Close operational alignment between regulators, telcos, and other ecosystem participants

These measures demonstrate how technical controls, when applied consistently and at scale, can significantly limit scammers’ ability to reach end users.

Governance, Accountability, and Incentives Matter

Another defining feature of the Australian approach is the move toward mandatory, enforceable obligations across designated sectors. The Scams Prevention Framework Act establishes clear expectations that regulated entities must take reasonable steps to prevent, detect, report, disrupt, and respond to scams — supported by governance and accountability mechanisms.

From an international perspective, this is an important signal: voluntary measures alone are unlikely to be sufficient. Sustainable progress requires incentives and obligations that align commercial behavior with consumer protection outcomes.

Why This Matters Beyond Australia

Scam traffic is inherently cross-border. International carriers, aggregators, and intermediaries play an essential role in either enabling or disrupting scam activity. The Australian model provides a practical illustration of how:

• Data and intelligence can be shared responsibly and at speed
• Regulatory clarity can support, rather than hinder, technical innovation
• Collaboration across sectors can reduce fragmentation and close gaps exploited by criminals

For the i3Forum Technology Workgroup, Australia represents a useful benchmark — not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a tangible example of how policy, technology, and operations can be aligned

A Reference Model for Global Dialogue

As jurisdictions worldwide grapple with scam calls and SMS, Australia’s experience underscores an important lesson: coordinated, ecosystem-wide action — grounded in data, supported by regulation, and executed through interoperable technical measures — can deliver real results.

For the global communications community, the challenge now is to adapt these lessons to local contexts while maintaining the shared objective of protecting consumers and restoring trust in international voice and messaging services.

The i3Forum Technology workgroup is beginning discussions on SMS sender id registry solutions to determine if an international carrier contribution can help build a more streamlined global implementation.

Please join us!