Australian consumers and businesses reported losses of nearly $175 million to the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) in the first half of 2025 (H1 2025), according to new Scamwatch data.
While the total number of scam reports fell to 108,305 – a 24% decrease from the previous year – the financial impact of scams has grown, with reported losses up 26% compared to the first half of 2024.
The data showed that scammers are increasingly leveraging digital platforms, including fraudulent websites, online ads, and social media, to target victims.
Notably, losses involving scams rose by more than 40%, with higher rates among individuals for whom English is a second language (up 44%) and First Nations Australians (up 55.3%).
Although the 2025 figures are lower than the peak losses recorded in 2022 and early 2023, the average loss per incident stands at $12,212, reflecting a 10% reduction from last year.
Phishing scams alone accounted for $19.5 million in losses, with a significant portion linked to cryptocurrency impersonation schemes.
In response to these trends, the NASC is collaborating with government agencies, businesses, and community groups during Scams Awareness Week (Aug. 25 to 29) to promote the message: “Stop. Check. Protect.”
The campaign encourages Australians to verify information before engaging in online transactions or sharing personal details.
Catriona Lowe, deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), commented: “As scams become more sophisticated, we are urging more businesses to join the NASC and share data to improve disruption capability across the ecosystem.”
Lowe also noted the importance of community engagement: “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.”
Shopping scams remain the most frequently reported type, with over 6,300 cases of financial loss in the first half of 2025.
Scammers have been found to set up convincing online storefronts and advertise fraudulent products, often enticing consumers with offers that appear legitimate.
One report detailed a loss exceeding $11,000 to a fraudulent travel agent website. The scammer, posing as a legitimate business, cancelled the victim’s booking after payment and became unreachable.
“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,” Lowe said.
Payment solutions experts from WorldFirst noted that Australian businesses have reported over $83 million in scam-related losses since 2020, with $13.1 million lost in 2024 alone.
False billing and investment scams have been the costliest, accounting for $44.6 million and $25 million in losses, respectively.
Phishing scams, while less costly overall, have grown rapidly, increasing by more than 3,400% over the past five years.
False billing scams typically involve fraudulent invoices for goods or services that were never ordered.
WorldFirst recommends verifying vendor details, confirming payment information through separate channels, and being cautious of invoices for unrequested items or those that demand urgent payment.
A recent survey of IT and cybersecurity leaders in Australia and New Zealand found that 45% identified data privacy, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance as top security priorities.
The region reported the highest global rate of cyber incidents, with 85% of organisations experiencing at least one attack in the past year.
Ransomware payments were more common in this region, with nearly three-quarters of targeted firms admitting to paying ransoms.
Aon’s 2025 Cyber Risk Report found that companies experiencing cyber events with reputational fallout saw an average 27% decline in shareholder value.
The global market for cybersecurity insurance is projected to more than double by 2030, reaching US$32.19 billion, driven by evolving threats and regulatory requirements.
The NASC recommends the following measures for individuals and businesses:
Insurance professionals are encouraged to remain vigilant, educate clients about emerging risks, and review internal processes to help reduce exposure to scams and cyber threats.
Support services are available through IDCARE, Lifeline, and Beyond Blue for those affected by scams.
