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Scam Awareness Spot scam texts more easily with verified SMS sender IDs
A new Australia-wide initiative is making it easier to identify legitimate text messages and helping protect consumers from scams.
From 1 July 2026, businesses that send branded SMS messages are required to register their sender IDs with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). A sender ID is the name that appears at the top of a text message, identifying who the message is from.
The new regulation is designed to help combat scammers who impersonate trusted organisations by sending fake text messages. By ensuring legitimate sender IDs are registered, customers can more easily identify genuine communications and avoid potential scams.
What’s changing?
Under the new SMS Sender ID Register, businesses that have registered their sender IDs will display their brand name at the top of SMS messages.
Messages sent using unregistered sender IDs may appear as “Unverified”, providing an additional warning sign that the message may not be from the organisation it claims to represent.
This measure aims to reduce SMS impersonation scams and give customers greater confidence when receiving text messages from trusted brands.
What does this mean for you?
The changes are designed to make spotting scam text messages easier. If you receive a text message from an “Unverified” sender, we recommend that you:
- Treat the message with caution.
- Avoid clicking on links until you’ve confirmed the message is legitimate.
- Never share personal, banking or security information via SMS
- Contact the organisation directly using trusted contact details if you’re unsure
There is nothing you need to do. The new requirements have been implemented automatically across mobile networks from 1 July 2026.
It’s important to note that these changes apply only to SMS messages. Customers should continue to exercise caution when receiving messages through other channels such as iMessage, WhatsApp, social media platforms and email.
Messages from us
We have registered our SMS sender ID under the new ACMA requirements.
When we send SMS messages, you may see the following sender ID:
CFBank
If you ever receive a message claiming to be from us that appears as “Unverified”, please treat it with caution and contact us directly to confirm its legitimacy.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions or concerns about a text message claiming to be from us, please contact us using the details on our website or visit your nearest branch.