A method for sending a secure message within a communications network which operates a short message service (SMS) according to an SMS protocol. The method consists of transmitting an SMS message of a predefined type from a mobile transceiver over the network, receiving the SMS message at an SMS receiver, and transmitting an authorization request, responsive to the SMS message and the predefined type, from the SMS receiver to the mobile transceiver. The method further includes receiving the authorization request at the mobile transceiver, transmitting a pre-determined confirmation code from the mobile transceiver responsive to the authorization request, and forwarding the SMS message from the SMS receiver to a message destination responsive to receipt of the confirmation code at the SMS receiver.