TRAI Introduces New SMS Header Codes to Combat Spam and Protect Users from Scams
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The Indian government, through TRAI, is implementing new rules effective May 2025 to combat spam SMSs by introducing header codes to help users identify the nature and source of messages, including an opt-out option, similar to WhatsApp business messages, to address scams and protect users from dangerous websites. The new SMS header codes will categorize messages as Promotional, Service, Transactional, or Government, indicated by the letters P, S, T, and G respectively, aiming to inform users about the changes and help them avoid falling prey to scammers. These measures complement existing efforts to eliminate 10-number telecalling numbers for sales, replacing them with the prefix-140, which can be automatically blocked.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is addressing the issue of spam SMSs, which often promote real estate or lottery offers. These messages frequently contain website URLs that can lead to data theft.
The new regulations require promotional messages to include an opt-out option. This feature is already common in ads and business messages on WhatsApp.
While the telecom body is working on spam calls, spam SMSs require equal attention.
The latest notification from TRAI, effective from May 2025, aims to help users differentiate between promotional, service, and government messages.
To facilitate this, service providers are required to include specific header codes in their SMSs.
“-P” for Promotional
“-S” for Service
“-T” for Transactional
“-G” for Government messages
These header codes will allow users to identify the content and context of the SMS. For example, VA-LABPTH-P indicates a promotional message, while VA-ICICIT-S signifies a service SMS.
Important SMS alerts from the government during significant events will use G as the header alphabet.
“Dedicated category for Government messages to ensure recipients do not miss important communications,” the TRAI press note explains.
SMS scams have been a persistent problem. Without third-party tracker apps, it can be difficult to determine if a message is from a legitimate source or a scammer.
Informing millions of phone users about these new headers and their significance is crucial. This will alert them to the changes and help them avoid scams.
These new headers are being introduced alongside the ruling to eliminate 10-number telecall numbers for sales.
Promotional sales calls will now use the prefix-140. These calls can be automatically blocked due to measures implemented by operators.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is addressing the issue of spam SMSs, which often promote real estate or lottery offers. These messages frequently contain website URLs that can lead to data theft.
The new regulations require promotional messages to include an opt-out option. This feature is already common in ads and business messages on WhatsApp.
While the telecom body is working on spam calls, spam SMSs require equal attention.
The latest notification from TRAI, effective from May 2025, aims to help users differentiate between promotional, service, and government messages.
To facilitate this, service providers are required to include specific header codes in their SMSs.
“-P” for Promotional
“-S” for Service
“-T” for Transactional
“-G” for Government messages
These header codes will allow users to identify the content and context of the SMS. For example, VA-LABPTH-P indicates a promotional message, while VA-ICICIT-S signifies a service SMS.
Important SMS alerts from the government during significant events will use G as the header alphabet.
“Dedicated category for Government messages to ensure recipients do not miss important communications,” the TRAI press note explains.
SMS scams have been a persistent problem. Without third-party tracker apps, it can be difficult to determine if a message is from a legitimate source or a scammer.
Informing millions of phone users about these new headers and their significance is crucial. This will alert them to the changes and help them avoid scams.
These new headers are being introduced alongside the ruling to eliminate 10-number telecall numbers for sales.
Promotional sales calls will now use the prefix-140. These calls can be automatically blocked due to measures implemented by operators.