Receiving a scam text from the “bank” or a shipping company has become an everyday occurrence for many Swedes.
In 2024 alone, Tele2 blocked over 18 million (!!) fraudulent messages. And according to the Swedish Internet Foundation, more than half of all internet users in Sweden have been exposed to some form of digital fraud in the past year.
This is a growing issue affecting both individuals and businesses. When fraudsters impersonate well-known brands, hard-earned trust is suddenly at risk. It’s a challenge many companies face — and rebuilding that trust can take years.
But there is a solution for businesses looking to protect both their brand and their customers: RCS – Rich Communication Services.
“RCS is a golden opportunity for anyone who cares about their brand and their customers. It’s a no-brainer if you want to stay ahead of the curve and create secure communication,” says Sam Jahanfar, CEO and co-founder of Rule.
What is RCS and why is it better than SMS?
RCS is the next-generation messaging standard that builds on SMS—with one crucial difference.
Your business is verified by Google before you can send messages, ensuring that no one else can impersonate you. The recipient immediately sees that the message is coming from a legitimate sender—not a fraudster trying to steal personal information or money.
Here’s how the verification process works:
The company registers with an RCS provider, submits its company details and brand assets, and then Google reviews the application. Once approved, the business can begin sending secure, branded RCS messages.
RCS also unlocks a richer communication experience. Messages can include video, images, maps, and interactive elements—far beyond what SMS allows. There’s no character limit like the 160-character cap in SMS; with RCS, your messages can exceed 3,000 characters, if needed.
Safe for both businesses and consumers
Scam texts aren’t just a security issue—they’re a trust issue. With RCS, companies have an opportunity to demonstrate that they take customer security seriously, while also strengthening their brand.
“Scam texts pose a threat to both businesses and consumers. With RCS, companies can show that they’re taking responsibility—protecting their customers and reinforcing their brand” says Sam Jahanfar, CEO and co-founder of Rule.
In a time when trust and confidence are constantly under pressure in the digital space, verified and secure communication is more important than ever.
Adopting RCS is a forward-looking move for businesses that want to build stronger customer relationships and create safer digital experiences.