“Likely Scam”—New Text Warning Aims to Protect Mobile Users in Ireland
A new safety measure from July 3, 2025, is now in effect to combat the growing wave of SMS fraud—commonly known as “smishing.” From today, any text messages originating from unregistered senders will be automatically tagged with a “Likely Scam” warning in recipients’ inboxes
NEWS
7/3/20251 min read
Why It Matters
Ireland’s communications regulator, ComReg, has spearheaded this initiative following alarming data showing that 78% of Irish adults are targeted monthly by scam texts, emails, or calls. With messages impersonating banks, delivery services, or government bodies becoming increasingly sophisticated, the “Likely Scam” label is a critical early alert to help users avoid falling prey.
By October 3, 2025, any SMS from an unregistered number will be automatically blocked, taking this protection a step further .
🏛️ How ComReg Is Stopping Scams
Sender ID Registry: Organizations sending mass texts must now pre-register their IDs; about 7,000 are already registered as of early June.
Warning Labels: Phones will now prominently display “Likely Scam” for any unregistered sender.
Blocking Option: Starting October, unregistered SMS won’t reach devices—unless users manually opt in.
📉 Real-World Impact
On February 2025, a woman in Ireland recounted losing her life savings after replying to what seemed like a government text. Stories like hers underscore the emotional and financial toll of smishing, reinforcing the need for systemic warning mechanisms.
💡 Tips to Stay Ahead of “Smishing”
Pause & Verify: If a text feels urgent or comes from an unknown number, double-check with the organization directly—not through the message.
Activate the New Label: Update your phone so “Likely Scam” markers appear when needed.
Report Suspicious Texts: Notify your mobile provider or ComReg if you receive a dubious message.
Share Warnings: Inform friends and family, especially older users, about the new alerts and how they work.
🧭 Final Thoughts
ComReg’s “Likely Scam” label and upcoming blocking policy are vital steps toward curbing SMS phishing. By combining regulation with user education, Ireland is setting a strong example for protecting personal data in the digital age.