Scam Prevention Working Group

Working together to reduce scam calls and SMS.

What it is

The original purpose of the Scam Prevention Working Group was to develop an industry code of practice for Network Operators to identify, verify and take action on scam calls to landlines and mobile phones. 

Subsequent to the development of the code, the Working Party meets quarterly to monitor implementation of the code and developments in scam call and SMS prevention technology as well as to extend cooperation regarding scam call and SMS processes to agencies outside of the telecommunications industry to improve outcomes for consumers.

Background

New Zealand, like many other countries, is targeted by off-shore based phone scammers calling or texting national landline and mobile users.

The scammers attempt to persuade anyone who answers their call, or receives their text, to cooperate in some way.

Their objective is to extract funds from the recipient by deception, and transfer it to the scammer’s bank account.

Deliverables

  • Ongoing discussion forum.
  • An updated Code detailing the agreed process for identifying and blocking scam traffic targeting New Zealand customers.

Who it applies to

  • Network Operators
  • A2P SMS Partners

Who it affects

  • Landline and mobile phone customers
  • Network Operators
  • A2P SMS Partners

Date established

June 2017

The original Code was endorsed by the TCF in September 2018, and was updated in October 2019. Originally the Code solely covered scam phone calls.

In 2022 the Code was expanded to include processes for scam SMS, and the Scam Prevention Code was published in November 2022.

Working Party Members

EXPLORE MORE

Industry Hub

RELATED TOPICS

Share this

Stay up-to-date

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.