Australia's Scams Prevention Framework spreads responsibility across designated sectors involved in scams. Governance and sector-code controls connect prevention, detection and disruption with intelligence sharing, reporting and response, including resolution of consumer disputes.
TL;DR:
- Designated sectors share duties to prevent, detect, disrupt, report and respond to scams.
- Most obligations start 31 March 2027; covered entities needed AFCA membership by September 2026.
- Sector coverage and duties vary; the framework is not a blanket scam-reimbursement guarantee.
Summary
A framework across the scam chain
The Scams Prevention Framework is designed to address scams across the businesses whose services can be used to reach victims and move money. The initial sectors are banking, telecommunications and digital platforms providing designated services. Its requirements combine governance with prevention, detection, disruption, reporting and response. This extends the focus beyond the final payment alone: a scam can involve advertising, communications and the transfer of funds, with different entities occupying different points in that chain.
Sector rules and shared supervision
The framework uses a multi-regulator model. The ACCC acts as the general regulator and the regulator for digital platforms, ACMA oversees telecommunications and ASIC oversees banks. Sector codes and rules supply detailed obligations, including arrangements supporting cooperation and information sharing. A firm’s role and designated services determine its position within the framework. The framework should therefore not be described as imposing an identical operational requirement on every business connected to an online payment.
Complaints and consumer redress
AFCA is the single external dispute-resolution scheme for SPF complaints involving covered banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms. ASIC states that entities providing designated services were required to be AFCA members by 1 September 2026. The framework connects prevention duties with a route for resolving complaints, but it is not an unconditional promise to refund every scam loss. The facts, applicable obligations and dispute-resolution arrangements remain relevant to determining responsibility and redress.
Commencement is phased
As reviewed on 28 October 2026, ASIC’s guidance says most SPF obligations will commence on 31 March 2027, with additional obligations expected by the end of 2027. Treasury’s 2026 consultation sets out draft code and rule material supporting implementation. These dates should be distinguished from the earlier AFCA membership requirement and from existing duties under other laws or codes. The framework is enacted and being implemented, but its future substantive obligations should not be presented as already fully operational.
Keywords
- Australian scams
- prevention framework
- sector codes
- bank responsibility
- telecom providers
- digital platforms
- fraud detection
- AFCA
- dispute resolution
- phased commencement