Amaysim Mobile Pty Ltd (Amaysim) has paid a $138,600 penalty after failing to carry out mandatory ID verification checks before transferring mobile phone numbers from other telco providers.
An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found Amaysim breached anti-fraud rules on 13 occasions in 2025, resulting in unauthorised mobile number transfers.
ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said robust ID verification processes are essential to protect consumers from mobile number fraud.
"These checks are critical to prevent fraudsters hijacking mobile services and exposing Australians to identity theft, financial harm and other serious consequences," Ms O'Loughlin said.
"While the ACMA is not aware of any financial losses arising from these breaches, victims can face significant distress, disruption to essential services and the time-consuming process of restoring access to compromised accounts and identities."
The ACMA has also accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Amaysim requiring an independent review of its policies and procedures, implementation of recommended improvements and regular reporting to the ACMA.
In a separate investigation, the ACMA issued a formal warning to Switch Mobile Networks Pty Ltd (trading as Ezee Mobile) after finding it failed to provide consumers with information about reporting suspected scams to police and government support services.
The Telecommunications (Mobile Number Pre-Porting Additional Identity Verification) Industry Standard 2020 requires telcos to use an additional ID verification process before transferring a mobile number to their service. They must also publish information for consumers about where to report suspected fraudulent number transfers.
These actions are the latest under the ACMA's compliance crackdown on mobile number fraud. To date, telcos have paid more than $5.2 million for breaches of the rules.
Consumers should contact their telco and financial institution immediately if they think they have been a victim of a phone scam or fraud.
IDCARE helps people whose identity has been compromised or stolen and can be contacted on 1800 595 160 or at www.idcare.org/.
Support is also available from Lifeline (131 114) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636).
