EN
Scam Statistics in Australia
Here's a snapshot of the growing impact of online fraud in Australia:
- Billions lost in 2022, with a sharp rise from the year before
- Average losses per person reaching tens of thousands of dollars
- Many cases still hidden, as victims often feel embarrassed or unsure about reporting
Scams aren't just annoying emails or suspicious phone calls anymore they've become a serious problem across Australia. In recent years, scammers have grown more clever, using sophisticated tricks to target everyday people, often preying on those who are most vulnerable.
The numbers tell a sobering story. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported that in 2022 alone, Australians lost an incredible A$3.1 billion (US$2 billion) to scams. That's an 80% increase compared to 2021. On average, each victim lost around A$20,000 (US$13,500). And the reality may be even worse, since many scams go unreported.
Behind these figures are real people families, retirees, and individuals who've faced not only financial setbacks but also the emotional toll of being deceived.
This guide will walk you through:
- The latest scam trends in Australia
- How to recognize and report scams
- Where to find help if you've been affected
| Country | Population | Internet Penetration | # of Scams | Scams / 1,000 | Money Lost | Money Lost / Capita | Money Lost / Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26.6M | 85% | 444.2K | 16.70 | €0.532B | €20.00 | €1.20K |
| 2021 | 25.7M | 82% | 566.6K | 22.05 | €1.22B | €47.47 | €2.15K |
| 2022 | 26.27M | 97% | 650.0K | 24.74 | €1.60B | €60.91 | €2.46K |
| 2023 | 26.97M | 97.1% | 700.0K | 25.96 | €1.90B | €70.46 | €2.71K |
| 2024 | 27.2M | 97.2% | 750.0K | 27.57 | €2.20B | €80.88 | €2.93K |
| 2025 | 27.61M | 97.3% | 800.0K | 28.97 | €2.50B | €90.53 | €3.13K |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Here's a structured draft of Australia, highlighting common scams and how victims can report them or seek help.
Common Scams
- Dating and romance scams
- Investment scams (fake trading platforms)
- Phishing emails/SMS impersonating banks or government
- Job scams and invoice fraud
Reporting Mechanisms
- Scamwatch (ACCC) – national reporting portal
- ReportCyber – for cybercrime incidents
- IDCARE – victim support and identity recovery services
- Police 000 in emergencies
