Australians lost more than $2.7 billion in scams last year, with almost half due to investment scams.

According to a new report released by the ACCC’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), this figure represents a 13.1 per cent decrease in scam-related financial loss, a significant drop from the $3.15 billion reported in 2022.

The NASC was established last year with an $86.5 million funding package in an effort to help combat scams and online fraud. In partnership between government agencies, banks, telcos and digital platforms, the NASC:

  • uses cutting-edge technology to share intelligence across Government and with authorised industry participants to interrupt scams in real time;
  • combines the expertise of Government and the private sector to disrupt scams and;
  • raises consumer awareness on the risk of scams and how to avoid them.

Minister for Financial Services and Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, will be conducting an anti-scam forum with local member for Ballarat, Catherine King in Daylesford on Thursday, September 5 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the RSL, 24 Vincent Street.

Minister Jones has been conducting these anti-scam forums across the country and they have been well received by community members. Minister Jones will talk about how people can protect themselves against scams, how to recognise them and what to do if they’ve been scammed. The Minister will also outline what the Federal Government is doing to protect Australians from scams.

“Every time I run a local scams forum, I hear more and more stories of people in our community who have lost thousands to scammers,” said Minister Jones. “These forums are crucial in raising consumer awareness, because Australians who are aware, alert and educated will make Australia a harder target for scammers.”

“Whether it’s spam texts, calls or misleading advertisements on social media, scam activity is on the rise and costing people, businesses, and the economy billions of dollars each year,” he said. “This forum will be an opportunity for community member to learn ways to protect themselves from scams, know what to do if they have been targeted by a scam, and hear about the steps the Government is taking to crackdown on this crime.”

Anyone who would like to attend the forum is welcome.

Date: Thursday 5th September
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Location: 24 Vincent Street, Daylesford.