As mobile SMS scam cases have become more frequent, the government has introduced a new “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” to help the public easily identify the true source of SMS messages. This new measure has been officially implemented since December 28, 2023, and MarketHK can also assist you with registration. Let’s first understand how it works and the participation details.

What is the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”?

The purpose of the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” is to help the public identify the real identity of SMS senders. Companies or organizations participating in this system will send SMS messages to local mobile users with the “registered sender name” starting with the “#” symbol.

Only companies or organizations that have successfully registered with the Communications Office as “certified senders” can use names starting with the “#” symbol to send SMS messages. The Communications Office will establish a public register so that the public can check the list of registered senders.

Through this system, when the public receives an SMS message, as long as they see a name starting with the “#” symbol, they can easily confirm whether the SMS is from a certified legitimate sender.

Why is the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” established?

In recent years, mobile phone fraud cases have been rampant, with criminals often impersonating various organizations and sending false SMS messages to the public in an attempt to obtain personal or bank information.

The Communications Office has been working with the police and telecommunications providers to combat telephone and SMS fraud from the telecommunications service perspective. The launch of the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” will help the public more easily identify the true source of SMS messages, thereby raising awareness and avoiding being deceived.

Which organizations are participating in the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”?

The “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” has been implemented since December 28, 2023, and the major telecommunications service providers, major banks, and some government departments have already participated and started using the registered names starting with the “#” symbol to send SMS messages.

The registration system is now open to various industries. Any company or organization with an actual need to send SMS messages can apply to the Communications Office to participate. The Communications Office will update the register regularly so that the public can always keep up with the latest registered list.

How can I help a company/organization apply for the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”?

As long as you are a MarketHK / iGears customer and a user of our SMS platform, you can contact our sales staff for guidance on how to apply to the Communications Office.

What documents can you provide for the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme” application?

As a MarketHK / iGears customer and a user of our SMS platform, we can provide you with the application cover letter to the telecommunications company and the application tutorial. Please feel free to inquire with us for more details.

How can I check if a company/organization has successfully registered for the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”?

You can visit the Communications Office website to check the register!

How to avoid becoming a fraud target?

Regardless of receiving any SMS messages from strangers, the public should be more vigilant. Even if the SMS appears to be from a well-known organization, they should not easily disclose personal or bank information, nor should they transfer money or click on hyperlinks in the SMS.

Only when the SMS starts with the “#” symbol and the sender’s name is recorded in the register can the public be more confident in confirming the authenticity of the SMS. Even so, they should still be cautious and not blindly believe the content of the SMS.

With the launch of the “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”, it is believed that it can further raise the public’s awareness of prevention and jointly curb the spread of mobile phone fraud activities.

Source: OFCA