This media release was updated on 27 August 2025 to correct the overall figure for financial losses in the first half of 2025. It was previously reported as $174.8M and has now been updated to $173.8M. Notwithstanding that scams data can be subject to change, this was a calculation error at the time of publishing.
Australians reported 108,305 scams and financial losses totalling about $173.8 million to the National Anti‑scam Centre’s Scamwatch service in the first six months of 2025, the centre says, with fake websites, online advertisements and contact through social media among criminals’ preferred methods of reaching people.
The number of reports to Scamwatch fell by 24 per cent compared with the first half of 2024, but the total value of reported losses rose by 26 per cent over the same period. There has also been a 40.5 per cent increase in reports involving losses, and that rise is higher in some groups: about 44 per cent among people who speak English as a second language and 55.3 per cent for First Nations Australians.
“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.”
phishing scams accounted for $19.5 million of reported losses in the period, driven in part by a rise in cryptocurrency impersonation scams; 14,235 reports involved losses to crypto scams. Scamwatch said these scams closely mirror bank‑impersonation tactics and have resulted in significant harm to victims.
“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.
Online shopping scams caused the highest number of reported financial losses, with more than 6,300 reports in the first half of 2025. Scamwatch’s case files include a report of an individual who lost more than $11,000 to a fake travel agent operating a convincing website and offering a “free digital travel assistant” service; the scammer cancelled the airline booking but kept the money and could not be contacted afterwards.
“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 is using Scams Awareness Week (25–29 August) to press the simple message: Stop. Check. Protect — urging people to pause before clicking links, verify sellers or offers and act quickly if they think they have been targeted. The NASC also called for greater data sharing from businesses to improve the disruption of scam networks.
“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.”
Anyone who believes they have lost money or shared financial details should contact their bank immediately and report scams to Scamwatch. Support and recovery assistance is available from IDCARE (www.idcare.org or 1800 595 160), Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. The National Anti‑Scam Centre is also encouraging people to share their experiences online using the hashtag #stopcheckprotect.
