Articles

Issued: 12 August 2025

Last modified: 12 August 2025

In 2024, Australians recorded a combined loss of $2.03 billion to scams. While this is 25.9% less than the previous year, the impact of scams is still devastating to many Australians. 

Scam Trends

  • Phishing scams had $13.7 million in financial losses reported, a significant increase when compared to $4.6 million in early 2024.
  • Investment scams continue to target vulnerable individuals with promises of high returns, and account for over half of all reported scam losses. In the first 4 months of 2025, Australians lost a total of $59 million to investment scams.
  • There was a 50 per cent increase in people reporting financial loss through social media, with 3,300 reports totalling $23.4 million.
  • Older Australians aged 65 and over reported the highest total losses of any age group, totalling $33.1 million. However, younger Australians aged 25 to 34 (1,504 reports) and 35 to 44 (1,678 reports) were the most likely to report having lost money.

This year, Scams Awareness Week (running from the 25 - 29 August), looks at 3 simple steps you can take to help keep you safe from scammers.

The National Anti-Scams Centre (NASC) recently introduced the ‘Stop. Check. Protect,’ method as a call to action and we encourage you to adopt this in your practices and everyday life to stop scammers in their tracks. 

STOP

Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details. 

What to do:

  • Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages.
  • Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests.
  • Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action.
  • Trust your instincts if something feels wrong.

CHECK

Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action. 

What to do: 

  • Contact the organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app.
  • Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC.
  • Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals.

PROTECT

Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you take action, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers. 

What to do: 

  • Contact your bank immediately it you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details and change your passwords and security details if you think they have been compromised.
  • Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
  • Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening.
  • Contact IDCARE (Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber support service) if you’ve shared personal information - they can help you create a plan to limit damage.
  • Report scams to Scamwatch to help protect others.

Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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