Hong Kong banks are participating in an SMS sender registration scheme aimed at helping customers avoid scam texts.
Under this initiative, banks will utilize registered SMS sender IDs that start with the prefix “#” to communicate with local mobile service subscribers. Messages with sender IDs containing “#” that are not from registered senders will be filtered out by telecommunications companies.
Launched in December with the support of regulators and law enforcement, the scheme has attracted 28 retail and virtual banks, including Ant Bank, DBS, and Standard Chartered.
Luanne Lim, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Banks, stated, “The HKAB welcomes the SMS Sender Registration Scheme, which will help combat malicious spoof messages. By utilizing the registered SMS sender IDs, participating banks can enhance client protection against fraudulent SMS messages.”
She further emphasized that, “In the face of ever-evolving scam tactics, the banking industry will continue to collaborate closely with relevant parties to combat fraud through technological advancements and customer education.”