National Anti-Scam Centre calls for continued action this Scams Awareness Week as scam losses trend up at $175M

Australians reported more than 108,000 scams and financial losses of about $175 million to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service in the first half of 2025, with fake websites, online advertisements, and contact through social media criminals’ preferred methods of reaching people.

This Scams Awareness Week (25-29 August), the National Anti-Scam Centre is joining together with government, business, community groups, consumer protection groups, educational organisations and individuals to reinforce the three simple actions that can help protect Australians: ‘Stop. Check. Protect’ before clicking, sharing, or paying.

It comes as Scamwatch received 108,305 reports about scams in the first six months of 2025, which is a 24 per cent decrease in reports compared to the same period last year. While total number of reports are down, reports involving losses have increased significantly.

The $174.8 million reported lost is a 26 per cent increase compared to the first half of 2024. There has been a 40.5 percent increase in reports involving losses and this is higher for some demographic groups: about 44 per cent among individuals who speak English as a second language, and 55.3 percent for First Nations Australians compared to the same period in 2024.

The 2025 losses still represent but a 39 per cent decrease compared to the equivalent period in 2023. Financial losses to scams peaked in 2022 and early 2023. The average reported loss was $12,212 – a decrease of about 10 per cent.

Losses to phishing scams were $19.5 million in 2025, driven in part by a rise in cryptocurrency impersonation scams. 14,235 reports involved losses to crypto scams. These scams closely mirror bank impersonation tactics and have resulted in significant financial harm to victims.

“Technology is helping scammers reach more people than ever before and we see scams becoming more sophisticated and harder for people to detect,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“This Scams Awareness Week, we’re encouraging everyone to talk about scams, watch for the signs and remember three simple words that can help make all the difference: Stop. Check. Protect. As scams become more sophisticated, we are urging more businesses to join the NASC and share data to improve disruption capability across the ecosystem.”

“Scams don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, which is why open conversations with loved ones and greater awareness are so important. Government, business and individuals all have a role to play in building a scam-aware community and reaching every group, including those who may face extra barriers to understanding or reporting scams,” Ms Lowe said.

The National Anti-Scam Centre encourages consumers to be particularly vigilant when shopping online – carefully scrutinise deals that seem too good to be true, and check websites before making a purchase.

Scamwatch received more than 6,300 reports of financial loss to shopping scams in the first half of 2025: the highest of any scam type. Scamwatch data shows that scammers achieved this by creating convincing online shopping platforms, advertising fraudulent products and luring consumers with deals that appear too good to pass up.

An individual who reported to Scamwatch lost more than $11,000 to an online shopping scam involving a fake travel agent. The scammer operated a convincing website and offered a ‘free digital travel assistant’ service. After the victim made an airline booking through the website, the scammer cancelled the booking but kept the money. Attempts to contact the agent failed once the scam was revealed.

The fake website created by the scammer to advertise free digital travel assistant services.

“Scammers are increasingly targeting people on websites and social media, knowing we’re all spending more time and money online. Taking just a few moments to verify a seller or offer can be the difference between a good deal and a devastating financial loss,” Ms Lowe said.

“We encourage people to avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links and instead visit official websites directly. Before buying from an unfamiliar seller or business, search their name along with terms like ‘review’, ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’ as this can quickly reveal any red flags from other consumers.”

“It is also important to use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. Taking a few simple steps like these can help protect you from online scams,” Ms Lowe said.

The National Anti-Scam Centre credited increased awareness of scam warning signs and the availability of targeted educational resources on job scams for the rise in reports during the first half of 2025, following the conclusion of the Job Scams Fusion Cell.

“This Scams Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the importance of coordinated action, including through intelligence sharing, and the Scam Prevention Framework provides the structure for holding telecommunications companies, banks, and digital platforms accountable in protecting consumers,” Ms Lowe said.

“While it’s distressing to see so many people affected by scams, it’s encouraging to know that Australians are speaking up, seeking help and sharing what they know. This information helps us continue to disrupt scam networks.”

 Australians are urged to talk about their experiences this week across social media channels using the hashtag #stopcheckprotect.

Hear from some Australians who have personally experienced scams: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/scams-awareness-week

This Scams Awareness Week, follow our advice to stay safe from scams:

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 act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do (in Australia):

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
• Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover - they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
• Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
• Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve 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
• Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.