Australians are starting to see a new label appear on certain text messages that could quietly shift how they separate real messages from scams in their inbox. It’s part of a nationwide push to crack down on scam texts and make it harder for criminals to pose as banks, government agencies, and other trusted organizations. The idea is simple, but the impact could be big—adding a clear warning sign right where most scams begin.
Text messages from businesses and government agencies in Australia may no longer appear under a trusted name. Instead, some will now be marked “Unverified,” signaling the sender hasn’t been confirmed. It’s part of a broader push that began on July 1st to disrupt scam texts that rely on impersonating legitimate organizations.
For years, scammers have exploited a feature called “Sender ID,” which allows organizations to display their name instead of a phone number. Criminals have used this system to mimic trusted sources like banks, delivery companies, and government agencies, sending messages that look legitimate at first glance. Those texts often push urgent stories—missed deliveries, frozen accounts, tax refunds—to get people to click links, share details, or send money before they have time to think.
The new verification system is being rolled out to add another layer of protection against scam texts. But it also puts new responsibility on legitimate organizations. Businesses, charities, schools, and community groups will need to register their Sender ID so their messages are properly recognized. Without registration, even real messages could be labeled “Unverified,” which may cause people to ignore them. Small businesses are especially affected, with regulators warning many may not yet realize the change applies to them. To comply, organizations must work through their telecommunications provider to verify their identity and officially link their name to their messaging system.
Phone companies in Australia have already been blocking large amounts of scam activity, stopping more than 153 million scam text messages in 2025 alone, according to industry reports. But many still get through, as scammers keep finding new ways to reach people’s phones.
For everyday users, the advice is straightforward: Treat “Unverified” messages with caution. It doesn’t automatically mean a scam, but it does mean slowing down before clicking links or responding. When in doubt, people should independently contact the organization using official channels rather than relying on the message itself. Anyone who suspects a scam can forward the text to 7226 or report it through Scamwatch.
