1. Introduction (User guide for telcos)

The SMS Sender ID Register is part of the Australian Government’s Fighting Scams initiative to address scams and online fraud and protect Australians from financial harm.

The register will protect consumers – and entities (including, businesses, not-for-profits and government agencies) that send SMS/MMS messages to consumers – by disrupting scam messages that use sender IDs.

Sender IDs are alphanumeric message headers that entities use so that message recipients can immediately identify the sender of a message, for example, myGov, ATO, CBA, AusPost.

All messages from the same sender ID are grouped together in one message thread on a recipient’s mobile device.

A common technique used by scammers is to send messages using the sender IDs of
well-known entities, to trick people into believing they are dealing with that entity. Message recipients are prompted to click on a link or call a number included in the body of the scam message. Scammers attempt to create a sense of urgency in the message, for example, by claiming a bill or toll is overdue, a delivery needs to be redirected, or reward points are about to expire. When people respond to these prompts, their money or personal information may subsequently be stolen.

If you are an Australian telco (a carriage service provider, carrier or electronic messaging service provider (EMSP)) involved in sending, transiting or terminating SMS or MMS messages, you must comply with the Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 (the Standard).

This document provides instructions for telcos who have been approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to participate in the register about how to use the register, including how to apply to register sender IDs on behalf of an entity.