New measures a positive step in the fight against mobile number fraud

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman welcomes the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) new measures requiring mobile providers to implement stronger identity verification processes before a mobile phone number can be transferred.

Friday 28 February 2020

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman welcomes the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) new measures requiring mobile providers to implement stronger identity verification processes before a mobile phone number can be transferred.

The new Telecommunications (Mobile Number Pre-porting Additional Identify Verification) Industry Standard 2020 will safeguard consumers from potential threats such as identity theft or having their bank accounts drained. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman raised potential consumer harms associated with mobile number theft in its systemic investigation report on "Reducing fraudsters' theft of mobile numbers", published February 2019.

Ombudsman Judi Jones said, “We are pleased to see our systemic investigation work informing this regulatory action. The telecommunications industry has worked hard over the last year to address the security risks associated with mobile number theft.

“When fraud happens the impact on consumers is significant. It is important identity verification procedures keep up with evolving technological risks and strike the right balance between accessibility and security. The ACMA’s new Standard is a welcome layer of consumer protection to combat telco fraud.”

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About the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman provides a free and independent dispute resolution service for consumers and small businesses who have an unresolved complaint about their phone or internet service. Consumers and small businesses should contact www.tio.com.au or 1800 062 058.

The Telecommunications Industry Sector

The Telecommunications industry regulators are the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) http://www.acma.gov.au Media enquiries to 02 9334 7719, 0434 652 063 or [email protected] and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) https://www.accc.gov.au Media enquiries to 1300 138 917, [email protected]

Government and the regulators set policy and regulations for the telecommunications sector.

Communications Alliance is the peak body for Australian communications industry http://www.commsalliance.com.au Media enquiries to Sefiani Communications, (www.sefiani.com.au) 61 431 478 558.

The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) is Australia’s peak communications consumer organisation representing individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit groups as consumers of communications products and services. http://accan.org.au/index.php Media enquiries to 0409 966 931 or 02 9288 4000.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from all nations of this land.