SMS scams are eroding trust in mobile communications. In 2024 alone, Ireland alarmingly reported that 80% of Irish people were targeted by fraudulent SMS messages, leading to an estimated €115 million in annual losses for consumers and businesses. (Source: Censuswide/Europe Economics)
The SMS Sender ID Protection Registry: ComReg’s Response to Fraud
To combat fraudulent SMS, the Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) launched the SMS Sender ID Protection Registry in May 2025. This initiative aims to protect consumers by allowing legitimate organizations to register their official SMS Sender IDs. Participating mobile service providers and messaging aggregators will use the registry to detect and block messages sent from unregistered or spoofed Sender IDs, helping to prevent fraud before it reaches consumers.
Timeline on ComReg’s Sender ID
Since 3 July 2025, messages sent from unregistered Sender IDs have been labeled “Likely Scam”, helping consumers identify and avoid potential fraud. This is part of a broader set of defenses being deployed to secure SMS communications, including:
- Do-Not-Originate (DNO) lists
- Fixed CLI Blocking
- Mobile CLI Blocking
- Protected number lists
- Voice and SMS firewalls
While the blocking of A2P SMS messages from unregistered Sender IDs was originally scheduled to begin on 3 October 2025, ComReg has postponed this phase due to technical integration issues across industry partners (Source: ComReg Update – 19 September 2025).
Note: Person-to-Person messages sent from phone numbers or SMS short codes are not covered by these measures.
iBASIS: Enabling Secure, Compliant, and Monetized Messaging
As a participating aggregator, iBASIS supports ComReg’s initiative to restore trust in SMS communications. With access to one of the largest telecom threat databases, iBASIS ensures successful monetization of A2P traffic by monitoring all entry points and detecting leaks, while blocking and preventing SMS fraud.
We offer a comprehensive, managed services solution to constantly monitor traffic and identify new revenue opportunities, while protecting networks and consumers.
Our Roles Include:
- Trusted gateway partner to complex destinations
- Participating aggregator in Singapore and other regulated markets
- Global expertise in SMS fraud prevention and traffic integrity
What We Offer:
- Enhanced global coverage connectivity delivering global A2P & P2P messages
- SMS monetization efficiency reports
- A2P messaging monetization
- Multi-protocol firewall & DDoS management
Organizations that use SMS to communicate with customers are strongly urged to register their Sender IDs with ComReg.