The ACMA has cancelled 31 smartnumbers linked to scams being undertaken in Australia.
Smartnumbers are distinct numbers that might have a pattern, like 1300 121 212, or spell words, such as 13 ZOOS (13 9667).
The cancelled numbers closely resembled those used by legitimate businesses, predominantly airlines and cruise operators, and were being used to mislead consumers into believing they were directly contacting these businesses.
The ACMA considered it was extremely unlikely the resemblance of these numbers to the legitimate businesses to be merely coincidental and was more likely indicative of a deliberate program of deception.
The ACMA has engaged the Australian Federal Police on the matter.
The ACMA was given new powers to cancel smartnumbers in March this year following the introduction of the new Telecommunications Numbering Plan 2025. The smartnumber holders may apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for a review of the ACMA’s decision.
The ACMA is considering further measures to prevent future misuse of smartnumbers, including strengthened identity verification processes.
When making calls, particularly to businesses that operate and have offices internationally, consumers should check that they are using the correct country code prefix for the contact number they are dialling.
Consumers should contact their telco and financial institution immediately if they think they have been a victim of a phone scam.
IDCARE can help people whose identity has been compromised or stolen on 1800 595 160 or at https://www.idcare.org.