Bahrain’s TRA Issues New Guidelines to Combat Fraudulent SMS Scams

This initiative follows the formation of a strategic working group by the TRA and the operators to collectively address key online safety issues impacting mobile users. Through this joint effort, it was identified that fraudulent SMS—used in scams targeting consumers—poses a significant and growing threat to users in Bahrain.

The new guidelines provide operators with clear measures and technical requirements to detect, block, and mitigate fraudulent SMS activity, ensuring consumers are better protected from scams. They also include provisions for user education, reporting mechanisms, and compliance with Bahrain’s regulatory and data protection laws.

“This collaborative effort with the mobile operators reflects our shared commitment to protecting consumers in Bahrain. By working together, we are ensuring that the public can use telecom services with greater confidence and security. These guidelines will play a vital role in safeguarding individuals from fraudulent SMS and in raising awareness about online safety.”

– Sh. Abdulla Bin Humood Al Khalifa, Director of Consumer and Communications, TRA

“The publication of these guidelines demonstrates what can be achieved when regulators and industry partners work hand-in-hand. Our united effort is focused on protecting people in Bahrain from scams and ensuring that their interests are always safeguarded. This is an important step in strengthening trust in our telecom networks and in delivering on our responsibility to consumers.”

– Philip Marnick, General Director, TRA

The TRA emphasized that this initiative is being undertaken for the benefit of the people of Bahrain, reflecting a united front to address real issues facing mobile users and reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in consumer protection and digital trust.