The Australian Communications and Media Authority is reviewing ways to combat scams carried out over telco networks (via phone, email and SMS) as a part of their Scam Technology Project. They invited public feedback on ways technology can block and minimise this type of scam activity, how consumers experience and avoid scams, and current challenges to stopping scam activity. ACCAN’s submission focuses on the consumer experience of scams, and how to improve consumer education about scam activity.

ACCAN proposes that a range of industry, regulatory and consumer responses are necessary to reduce harm caused by scams. We argue that networks are much better placed to identify and minimise the risk of scam activity than individual consumers, but that consumer education has an important part to play in helping consumers to safeguard themselves against harm. We propose practical suggestions of ways that industry, government and community organisations could empower consumers to identify and report scam activity.

Download: ACMA Scam Technology Consultation submission82.52 KB

Download: ACMA Scam Technology Consultation submission607.88 KB