The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Office of Communications (Ofcom) have announced a new Framework for Practical Cooperation to facilitate mutual assistance and information sharing to achieve consumer outcomes.

ACMA notes that consumer losses reported to Scamwatch due to scam calls and SMS are $83 million so far this year, and as scammers become more sophisticated and deploy new and emerging technologies to target Australians, collaboration at an international level is becoming increasingly important, while strategic engagement with regulators like Ofcom facilitates joint efforts to tackle the pervasive scourge of spam and scam communications.

ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin said the agreement would enhance efforts by the ACMA and Ofcom to combat unsolicited communications.

“The ACMA is committed to tackling scams, a problem which countries across the world struggle with,” O’Loughlin said.

“Partnering with Ofcom is just another way we are protecting consumers and safeguarding the integrity of telecommunications networks here in Australia and globally.”

ACMA says this agreement complements the strong relationship it has with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office, which also has a key role to play in combatting unsolicited communications in the UK.

Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom's Chief Executive, said: “The digital world is a small place. Criminal gangs can try to scam you from any country through the phone in your pocket. Today’s agreement sends a message – regulators, governments, police and companies are working together to fight fraud on a global scale.”

The ACMA supports the Australian government’s Fighting Scams initiative to address scams and online fraud and protect Australians from financial harm, and it supports the work of the National Anti-Scam Centre, which coordinates government, law enforcement and the private sector to combat scams.

For information on how to avoid phone and SMS scams, check out our advice onhow to spot and stop scams.

 To stay on top of the latest scams targeting Australians, sign up to receive our scam alerts.

Help other Australians by reporting to Scamwatch.

If you’ve had personal details stolen, contact IDCARE for support.

For more information contact ACMA Media on 0438 375 776 or media@acma.gov.au.

For information on how to avoid phone and SMS scams, check out our advice on how to spot and stop scams.
To stay on top of the latest scams targeting Australians, sign up to receive our scam alerts.
Help other Australians by reporting to Scamwatch.
If you’ve had personal details stolen, contact IDCARE for support.