Important changes to SMS Sender ID usage in Australia

Important changes to SMS Sender ID usage in Australia

In a bid to reduce spam and protect consumers, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has recently introduced new rules requiring service providers to identify, trace, block, and report SMS scams. 

“Text-based sender IDs can be used by scammers to pose as legitimate organisations such as government agencies, banks and road toll companies.” (ACMA, 2023)

GoFax is committed to combating SMS and identity theft phone scams and will continue to adapt our Online SMS platform in alignment with SMS legislation, data privacy and security practices. 

Future plans have already been announced to build a Sender ID registry to prevent SMS scammers from imitating businesses and organisations. 

To ensure the highest of security and compliance, GoFax has implemented changes to be compliant with the new Industry Code. 

 

How this impacts GoFax users:

Sender ID’s must be approved by the GoFax support team before use. If you are currently using Sender ID’s to send SMS messages these will be automatically approved by GoFax to reduce disruption to your current workflows.

 

How to request a new Sender ID? 

1. Go to Send SMS service in your account 
2. Select Manage SMS settings
3. Click on SMS Sender ID
4. Enter your new Sender ID
5. Click submit for approval

 

How to check the status of your Sender ID?

Once submitted, you will see a Pending status. This means your request has been submitted to the GoFax team for review. 

Once reviewed, your Sender ID will either be Approved or Rejected and give the relevant status. 

If your Sender ID is approved, you can start using it. 

If your Sender ID is rejected, contact GoFax support for more information. 

 

Managing Sender IDs

Pending and Approved Sender IDs can be deleted by a user. Rejected Sender IDs will remain in the account. 

 

How long does it take to get my sender ID approved?

Call 1300 928 872 for immediate approval of a sender ID. Generally, sender IDs will be reviewed within 2-3 hours during business hours (Monday- Friday, 8:00am – 5:30am AEST). 

You will receive an email once your Sender ID has been approved or rejected. 

 

How to set a default Sender ID? 

Once your Sender ID has been approved select the preferred sender ID from the dropdown list. Users will only be able to select one approved Sender ID.

 

Can I use a Virtual Number as a Sender ID?

Yes, if you purchase a virtual number, it will be automatically added to the list of approved Sender IDs. 

 

Using SMS Sender IDs for API and Email sending

If you are sending SMS with the API, ensure that the Sender ID has been approved.

If you are sending SMS with email, ensure that the Sender ID has been approved. This allows approved senders to send SMS with a Sender ID.