Scams are getting harder to spot. Australians reported a record $3.1 billion lost to scams last year. That's 80% more than the year before.
Behind the growing numbers are everyday Australians who lost money to scams – sometimes their life savings. And the true cost of scams is more than a dollar figure. Scams can have a devastating impact on victims' lives.
As scammers become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, we need to better coordinate our efforts to stop them.
The National Anti-Scam Centre has been set up to coordinate government, law enforcement and the private sector to combat scams. It builds on the work of the ACCC’s Scamwatch service.
Together we will make Australia a harder target for scammers.
What the National Anti-Scam Centre does
Through our Scamwatch services we share up-to-date information on scams and ways you can protect yourself.
We’re improving information sharing across government and the private sector to disrupt scammers.
Our first fusion cell is combatting the growing problem of investment scams, which are costing Australians more than $1 billion a year.
Reports and publications
The National Anti-Scam Centre quarterly update provides insights into the most significant scams that impact Australians and highlights the key initiatives put into action to disrupt and prevent scams.
ACCC action on scams
Australians are being urged to check payment details directly with a business before paying an emailed invoice, following a rise in losses to payment redirection scams.
The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning consumers to beware of fake news articles and deepfake videos of public figures that endorse and link to online investment trading platform scams, particularly on social media.
The National Anti-Scam Centre is warning people looking for love online to beware of financial criminals luring them into investment scams.