Two telcos face big fines after breaching reporting requirements for scam calls, in a first since an industry code came into force four years ago.
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Symbio Wholesale Pty Limited and Symbio Networks Pty Ltd have been directed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to comply with its phone scam rules.
If they fail to carry out the measures, the companies face penalties of up to $250,000.
Aussie Broadband bought out 100 per cent of the Symbio Group in February but is not involved in the investigation or any action by the authority.
An ACMA investigation found the Symbio Group failed to share information about scam calls with other telcos and the authority in a timely manner on multiple occasions.
Authority member Samantha Yorke said the identification and sharing of scams between telcos was critical to help prevent Australians losing millions of dollars in scams.
"Australians reported losing over $115 million to scam calls in 2023 and for some people the impact can be devastating," Ms Yorke said.
"Scam reduction rules are only as effective as the weakest link and on this occasion Symbio failed to meet its obligations."
Symbio Wholesale and Symbio Networks failed to accurately report the number of scam calls they blocked from April to June 2023.
"While there is no suggestion Symbio perpetrated these scams, in these cases it did not provide timely notifications about these calls to other telcos," Ms Yorke said.
"All telcos must monitor, investigate, trace and block scams and quickly share information to prevent scams reaching the public."
ACMA formally warned the telcos in 2022 for failing to investigate suspected scam calls.
It found Symbio failed to probe suspected scam calls it had been notified about by a different telco and did not investigate and trace the origin of other alleged calls as soon as possible.
"This matter is deeply concerning as it follows an ACMA finding under superseded rules in 2022," Ms Yorke said.
"We will be closely monitoring Symbio's compliance with the rules and won't hesitate to take stronger action if future non-compliance is found."
Australian Associated Press
