Issue No 27: 10 November 2022

Industry Welcomes National Anti-Scam Centre

Communications Alliance has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to create a National Anti-Scam Centre, to help combat the scourge of scam attacks on Australian consumers and businesses.

Under the enforceable scam-reduction industry code put in place by Communications Alliance and its members in 2020, more than 1 billion attempted scam telephone calls (almost all of which originate overseas) have been blocked by Australian telcos during the past 18 months. New enforceable measures have also been created by Communications Alliance, and registered by the industry regulator, to fight SMS-based scam attempts.

Communications Alliance CEO, John Stanton, said the budget commitment to fund the Anti-Scam Centre, announced by Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, the Hon. Stephen Jones, was a welcome adjunct to existing industry efforts to identify, trace and block scammers.

“Government and all relevant industry sectors need to continue to cooperate in the fight against the pernicious and costly menace of scamming,” Mr Stanton said.

“The Codes initiated by the telco industry will hopefully offer a template for other industry sectors to take action.

“The telco sector will engage collaboratively with the new Anti-Scam Centre and other stakeholders, to help protect Australians from the ongoing threat posed by scammers.”

Scams Awareness Week 2022

Communications Alliance is proud to support Scams Awareness Week (7–11 November 2022).  Scams Awareness Week is an annual campaign hosted by the ACCC and the Scams Awareness Network, which raises awareness about common scams and offers tips on how people can protect themselves from scammers.

This year Scams Awareness Week is about empowering people to learn how to spot a scam and encouraging them to take the time to check whether a communication or offer is real.

Scams can cause serious harm. Protect yourself and those around you. If you see or experience a scam, report it. Visit the Scams Awareness Week website for more information: www.scamwatch.gov.au/scamsweek  

Current Consultations

Below is a list of currently open telecommunications-related consultations being conducted by Government and other organisations that provide an opportunity for you to have your say.