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Australia’s Scams Prevention Framework, launched in February 2025, puts telecoms, banks, and digital platforms on the front line of fraud prevention. With AUD 3.1 billion lost to scams in 2023, the framework signals a global shift toward tougher, coordinated regulation. MEF CEO Dario Betti explains what the new rules mean for mobile ecosystem players—and why it’s time to step up on scam protection, data sharing, and consumer trust.

The Australian Government took action to protect consumers by enacting the Scams Prevention Framework (SPF) on 13 February 2025. This is a landmark, multi-regulator system designed to tackle the rising tide of scams affecting individuals and small businesses. This initiative reflects the global momentum toward greater accountability for digital services, telecoms, and financial platforms in managing scam-related risks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”165840″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]The SPF represents both a regulatory challenge and a strategic opportunity for companies operating in Australia or considering expansion. MEF members—particularly those in telecommunications, mobile identity, and messaging—should treat this as a signal to review their scam prevention protocols, explore new collaborative models, and shape sector-specific standards.

The SPF- an ecosystem approach against fraud

[icon color=”Accent-Color” size=”small” image=”fa-quote-left”] For global mobile ecosystem players, Australia’s SPF is a test case in regulatory co-design. MEF members have the opportunity to influence how innovation and compliance can co-exist—by engaging early, demonstrating leadership, and sharing what works.”

Australia has one of the highest rates of scam activity globally. In 2023 alone, Australians lost over AUD 3.1 billion to scams, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The volume and sophistication of scam attempts—especially via SMS, voice calls, social platforms, and paid digital ads—have made it clear that fragmented countermeasures no longer suffice.

Recognising this, the SPF adopts a “whole-of-ecosystem” approach—uniting government, regulated businesses, and consumers under one framework to share intelligence, coordinate enforcement, and impose meaningful consequences on non-compliance.

Who Must Comply?

The SPF initially mandates participation from three sectors:

• Banks – regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Telecommunications providers – these are more specifically  regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
• Digital platform services – including social media, paid search platforms, and messaging apps, are regulated by the ACCC

Notably, the SPF legislation includes a “designation mechanism” that enables the Minister to expand its scope to other sectors—such as digital wallets, online marketplaces, superannuation funds, and cryptocurrency exchanges—if scam patterns evolve.

The SPF looks at protecting consumers, including all individuals in or from Australia, plus small businesses with fewer than 100 employees and a principal place of business in Australia.

Core Principles and Obligations

At the heart of the SPF are six overarching principles. These are designed to be flexible and adaptive, with regulators tailoring sector-specific rules beneath them. All in-scope businesses are required to:

1. Establish Robust Governance
   Create and maintain policies on scam prevention and reporting, with annual reviews and clear performance metrics.
2. Prevent Scams Proactively
   Provide scam alerts to customers, verify identities rigorously, and secure digital platforms against infiltration.
3. Detect Scams Effectively
   Use both internal analytics and external intelligence to flag scam attempts in real time.
4. Report Promptly and Transparently
   Share scam activity data with regulators and industry peers, enabling faster sector-wide responses.
5. Disrupt Scams Decisively
   Block fraudulent transactions, accounts, phone numbers, or digital content—backed by timely intelligence.
6. Respond Fairly to Victims
   Operate both internal and external dispute resolution (EDR) systems for affected consumers, including access to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).

Enforcement and Penalties

The SPF is underpinned by a compliance and enforcement regime. Penalties are split into two tiers:

• Tier 1 (Serious Breaches) – up to AUD 50 million or 30% of turnover
• Tier 2 (Governance/Reporting Breaches) – up to AUD 10 million or 10% of turnover
• Individuals may face personal penalties of up to AUD 2.5 million

The framework also permits injunctions, public warnings, enforceable undertakings, and even adverse publicity orders, ensuring non-compliance carries financial and reputational risk.

Implications for MEF Members

For MEF members working in or with the Australian market, the SPF is a signal to upgrade, coordinate, and lead. Below are key recommended actions:

• Align With the Six SPF Principles

Review your internal scam prevention frameworks against the SPF’s six principles. Even if not currently designated, future expansion of the SPF’s scope is likely. This is particularly relevant for digital wallet providers, cross-border payment services, and mobile ID platforms.

• Engage With Sectoral Regulators

Telecoms members should actively monitor ACMA’s implementation of SPF codes. Likewise, platform providers should engage with ACCC’s draft code development. MEF can serve as a conduit for industry feedback and knowledge exchange, helping shape codes that are practical and innovation-friendly.

• Adopt Intelligence Sharing Standards

Participate in initiatives for scam intelligence exchange. MEF’s work on Trust in Enterprise Messaging (TEM) and the MEF SMS Code of Conduct could align well with SPF reporting and disruption requirements. Shared datasets on scam patterns—anonymised and responsibly managed—are now regulatory expectations, not best practices.

• Support Consumer Education

The SPF encourages regulated firms to provide real-time, contextual warnings to consumers. MEF members can leverage mobile channels to deliver effective anti-scam messaging and raise awareness of fraudulent techniques across voice, messaging, and app environments.

• Strengthen Authentication and Verification

As identity theft is central to many scams, MEF members focused on digital identity and authentication should consider contributing to sector-specific guidelines. This could include robust KYC onboarding, real-time account validation, and proactive risk analytics.

• Participate in MEF-Led Industry Dialogues

With scams now a top-tier regulatory issue, MEF can facilitate global knowledge sharing, local working groups, and industry forums to support members in Australia and in other regulated jurisdictions.

Looking Ahead

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”5/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]The SPF doesn’t exist in isolation. It complements Australia’s broader digital reforms, including updated privacy law proposals, stronger cybersecurity obligations, and digital identity systems. It also sets a precedent that other countries—particularly those in the Asia-Pacific and EU—may soon follow.

For global mobile ecosystem players, Australia’s SPF is a test case in regulatory co-design. MEF members have the opportunity to influence how innovation and compliance can co-exist—by engaging early, demonstrating leadership, and sharing what works.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Scams Prevention Framework in Australia marks a profound shift in how governments are responding to digital crime. It demands active, coordinated action from every layer of the mobile and digital service ecosystem. For MEF and its members, it’s a moment to step up—to shape codes, lead by example, and collectively improve trust in the mobile experience.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_text_separator title=”Dario Betti” title_align=”separator_align_left” color=”blue”][image_with_animation image_url=”72123″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”Fade In” animation_easing=”default” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][vc_column_text]

MEF CEO

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