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IMDA continues to partner the public in the fight against scams

January 30, 2023

Source: imda.gov.sg/

Background

As part of the measures announced by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in October last year, all organisations that send SMS using alphanumeric Sender IDs are required to register with the Singapore SMS Sender ID Registry (“SSIR”). This registration is to better protect consumers against non-registered SMS that may be scams.

Consumers receiving SMS labelled as “Likely-SCAM” to exercise caution

From 31 January 2023, non-registered SMS will be labelled as “Likely-SCAM”. This functions similarly to a “spam filter and spam bin”. Consumers may receive non-registered SMS labelled as “Likely-SCAM”. Consumers are advised to exercise caution. If unsure, consumers are encouraged to check with family and friends. Collectively, this will enhance our resilience against scams.

Consumers are reminded to stay vigilant against messages carrying the “Likely-SCAM” Sender ID

Example of what a "Likely-SCAM" SMS will look like.

Organisations advised to register Sender IDs

All organisations that use alphanumeric Sender IDs must register early with the SSIR. This is to give adequate time as non-registered SMS Sender IDs after 31 January 2023 will be labelled as “Likely-SCAM”. Organisations which have not registered their Sender IDs are advised to do so.

Organisations that wish to send SMS with alphanumeric Sender IDs to Singapore mobile users must:

  • Register Sender IDs with the SSIR; and,
  • Only use aggregators who participate in the SSIR.

Registration with SSIR will require a Singapore UEN

All organisations that send SMS with alphanumeric Sender IDs must register with SSIR using a Singapore local unique entity number (“UEN”) issued by relevant Singapore government agencies.

Foreign-based businesses can obtain a Singapore UEN by registering with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”). A foreign-based business can either register as local subsidiary or register as a foreign branch office. Companies registered with ACRA will have to comply with the statutory and disclosure requirements of the Companies Act. Details on the ACRA registration process can be found on the ACRA website at: https://www.acra.gov.sg/how-to-guides/registering-a-foreign-company.

Selection of SMS aggregators

Organisations sending SMS with Sender IDs will need to choose SMS Aggregators (i.e., SMS service providers) who are licensed by IMDA and registered with the SSIR to handle these SMS to be sent to Singapore mobile users. Please visit https://www.sgnic.sg for list of aggregators.

Assignment priority

The SSIR will assign Sender IDs on a first-come-first-served basis, and may clarify with registrants if they have a trademark or other legitimate claim to the Sender ID.

Registration – get started

Interested organisations can contact the Singapore Network Information Centre ("SGNIC”) at smsregistry@sgnic.sg to start the registration process. Registration opened from 31 October 2022.

Implementation timeline

IMDA will effect the Full SSIR Regime on 31 January 2023.

IMDA continues to partner the public in the fight against scams

The new mandatory SSIR regime forms part of an ongoing multi-layered approach to strengthen protection against scams. This has been done with the telecom operators to systemically reduce scam calls and SMS coming through the communication networks. Since the setting up of the SSIR in March 2022, there was a 64% reduction in scams through SMS from Q4 2021 to Q2 2022. Scam cases perpetrated via SMS made up around 8% of scam reports in Q2 2022, down from 10% in 2021.

Further information