Scams Awareness Week 2025 - staying one step ahead

24 August 2025

Scam losses rise in 2025 despite fewer reports. Scams are continuing to hit hard across Australia, with nearly $119 million in losses reported in the first four months of 2025. The figures, drawn from Scamwatch data, reveal a troubling trend: while the number of scam reports fell by almost a quarter (72,230 reports, down 24%), the total money lost rose by 28% compared to the same time last year.

This year’s losses are still lower than the extreme peak seen in early 2023 ($193.2 million), but the warning signs are clear: scams are becoming more sophisticated, and more Australians are being caught out.

The changing face of scams

Scammers are constantly shifting tactics. Here’s what we’re seeing in 2025:

Phishing scams are surging. Financial losses linked to phishing jumped to $13.7 million so far in 2025, up from $4.6 million in early 2024. These scams involve impersonating trusted organisations such as banks, government agencies or utilities to steal personal information.

Investment scams remain the biggest money drain at $59 million lost in just four months, investment scams account for over half of all reported losses. While this is a slight decrease from last year, scammers continue to promise “high returns” that never eventuate.

Social media scams are rising fast. Losses through platforms like Facebook, Instagram and messaging apps have ballooned to $23.4 million. Nearly 3,300 people reported financial harm after being targeted online - a 50% jump on last year.

Phone scams are still costly but while fewer people are reporting them (down 11% from 2024), scam calls remain the most damaging contact method overall, with $25.8 million lost so far in 2025.

Who is being targeted?

Scammers don’t discriminate; they target Australians of all ages.

Older Australians (65+) lost the most money overall, with $33.1 million reported this year. Younger people (25 to 44 years) are reporting scams in the highest numbers, with over 3,100 reports of financial loss.

What’s clear is that no age group is immune. The scams may look different depending on your stage of life, but the tactics remain the same: unexpected contact, pressure to act fast, and convincing impersonation.

How to protect yourself

Staying alert is the strongest defence. Use the Stop - Check - Protect approach:

Stop - Don’t rush. If you feel pressured to act quickly, it’s a red flag. Hang up, delete the message or say no.

Check - Could it be fake? Scammers often claim to be from well-known organisations. Independently source the contact details of the business or government agency before responding.

Protect - If you’ve shared personal or financial details, act quickly. Contact your bank straight away. Call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for identity support. And always report scams to Scamwatch – even if you didn’t lose money.

Together we can reduce the harm. Every report helps disrupt scammers and protect others. Businesses also play a vital role in keeping customers safe by updating security systems and sharing warnings.

Scams are becoming harder to spot, but the more we talk about them, the less power scammers have. Spread the word this Scams Awareness Week – and remember: if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

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