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.
Governance of the National Anti-Scam Centre
The advisory board supports and informs the delivery of the National Anti-Scam Centre’s program of work. It also enables partnerships across key industry sectors and services.
ACCC action on scams
Scammers are increasingly using a range of alarming tactics to threaten, intimidate and steal from Chinese students living in Australia, the National Anti-Scam Centre has warned.
Matildas fans are being urged to be wary of scammers ahead of Wednesday night’s FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final.
The Australian Banking Association Ltd (ABA) and its member banks will be able to participate in discussions to develop an industry standard to prevent, detect, and disrupt scams affecting individual and small business customers, following a conditional ACCC interim authorisation.