In Short

Scams are evolving fast, targeting Australians of all ages, with losses topping $2 billion in 2024.

From investment and romance scams to phishing and remote access fraud, staying alert is key. Stop. Check. Protect. before you act. Report suspicious activity to Scamwatch and use trusted services like Rocket Remit for secure money transfers.

Scam Awareness Week 2025 reminds us that awareness and action can stop fraud in its tracks.

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You check your phone. A message pops up 📩

It promises big returns on a new ‘investment.’ You feel tempted, but something seems off. Take a moment and ask yourself: what if it’s a scam?

Scams have a huge impact on Australians. The National Anti-Scam Centre’s 2024 report shows that people lost $2.0 billion to scams last year. That’s less than the $2.7 billion lost in 2023, but it’s still a big problem.

Scam Awareness Week 2025 takes place from August 25 to 29. The theme is Stop. Check. Protect

The truth is, scammers are clever. But you have options. You can learn how to protect yourself from fraud.

Stop. Check. Protect in action

Scammers rely on speed. They want you to panic, click fast, and hand over details. That’s why Scam Awareness Week 2025 is built on three simple words: Stop. Check. Protect.

So, how does it work in real life Stop. Check. Protect.?

1. Stop
Pause before you react. Don’t reply to urgent texts or click links in strange emails. Scammers often pressure you to act quickly so you don’t have time to think.

2. Check
Take a closer look. Call the company using the number on their official website, not the one in the message. Double-check email addresses and website links. If something seems off, trust your instincts.

3. Protect
Protect yourself by taking action. Report scams to Scamwatch, change your passwords, and let your family and friends know so they can stay safe too.

Here’s the key: following this simple rule can help you stop fraud before it happens. It’s a strong way to protect yourself from scams.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

Common Scams in Australia (2024–2025 Trends)

Scammers are constantly evolving, and in 2024, Australians reported a combined loss of $2.0 billion to scams, a decrease of 25.9% from the previous year 2023. While this decline is encouraging, the impact remains significant. To see National Anti-Scam centre scam statistics, click here

Top Scam types by losses in 2024:

Investment Scams – $192.3m

Scammers use clever marketing and new technology to make investments look irresistible. They promise big returns with little or no risk and try to rush you into handing over your money.

Romance Scams – $23.5m

Scammers create fake relationships on social media, dating, or gaming apps. They play with your emotions, use fake profiles, and eventually ask for money.

Phishing Scams – $20.5m

Scammers try to trick you into sharing personal information like bank details, passwords, or credit card numbers by sending fake emails, messages, or links to fake websites.

False Billing Scams – $15.8m

Scammers might contact you out of the blue, saying you owe money for things you never ordered. They send fake bills and try to get your real payments sent to them instead.

Threat Scams – $13.8m

Scammers may pretend to be from a company or government office and say you owe money. They might threaten arrest, deportation, or harm to pressure you into paying right away.

Why it matters to you: Scams affect vulnerable groups

Scams are not just about losing money. They can break trust, hurt mental health, and change lives. Some groups are more likely to be targeted and can suffer long-term effects. This is important for you and everyone to understand. Check the latest Scamwatch trends here:

Older Australians

People aged 65 and over lost the most money to scams in 2024, with losses reaching $99.6 million, even though this was 17.6% less than last year. Scammers often target this age group because of social isolation, less experience with technology, and their trust in others.

First nations communities

First Nations people lost $6.5 million to scams in 2024, a 73.1% increase from the year before. This big jump shows there is an urgent need for education and support that respects their culture.

People aged 35-44

Reported the most Scamwatch reports with loss.

Everyday Australians

Even if you are good with technology, scams can still fool you. In 2024, Australians reported 494,732 scams to Scamwatch, losing a total of $2.03 billion. Scammers keep changing their tricks to target people from all backgrounds.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities:

Reported scam losses in 2024 decreased by 36 percent from 2023.

People with mental health challenges

Scammers often take advantage of people who feel anxious, depressed, or lonely. These feelings can make someone more likely to fall for romance or investment scams. The emotional impact can be just as serious as losing money.

Digital newcomers

Australians who are not used to technology, like some older adults or people with limited internet access, face a higher risk of scams. They might find it hard to spot fake emails, websites, or online ads.

Your Call-to-Action: Protect yourself from scams

Scams keep changing. Whether it’s fake investments or romance schemes, scammers are always looking for ways to take your money. The good news is that you can protect yourself.

By staying alert, using the Stop, Check, Protect steps, and following official scam alerts, you can shield yourself and your family.

👉 Here’s the call-to-action to protect yourself from scams:

• • Stop before you act.
• • Check the source.
• • Protect yourself and your money.

Scam Awareness Week 2025 is more than just a campaign. It reminds us that when we work together, we can stop fraud before it spreads. One way to stay safe is by choosing trusted providers like Rocket Remit, who focus on security and fraud prevention.

Scam FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Where can I report scams in Australia?

You can report scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre through Scamwatch.gov.au. If you’ve lost money, also contact your bank immediately. For online scams, you can also report to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) at cyber.gov.au

2. How do I know if a message is a scam?

Scam messages often:

• • Create urgency (e.g., “Act now or lose access”).
• • Contain suspicious links or attachments.
• • Come from unknown numbers or emails.
• • Have poor grammar or spelling.

If you’re unsure, don’t click or reply. Instead, contact the company directly to check if the message is real.

3. Can scammers fake company logos, emails, and websites?

Yes. Scammers are skilled at replicating genuine branding, creating fake websites and emails that appear legitimate. Always check the official website URL, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages, and be cautious of slightly altered domain names.

4. How can I protect myself from scams?

• • Stop and think before responding.
• • Check the source by contacting the company directly.
• • Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords.
• • Enable two-factor authentication.
• • Use trusted services for sending money, like Rocket Remit.

5. How do I get emotional support after being scammed?

Being scammed can feel overwhelming. If you need support, you can reach out to IDCARE or call Lifeline at 13 11 14. Remember, you’re not alone and talking to someone can help.

6. What should I do if I’ve been scammed?

• • Contact your bank immediately.
• • Report the scam to Scamwatch.gov.au
• • Change your online passwords and secure your accounts.
• • Warn friends and family so they don’t fall for the same scam.

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