A surge in scams while our ‘world leading’ Scam Prevention Framework missing in action
New scam data released today from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reveals that Australians lost nearly $260 million in scams in the first nine months of 2025, a 16% increase in losses while the number of reports received by the Government’s Scamwatch service 159,319, was down 20% compared to the same period in 2024.
Consumer Action Law Centre CEO Stephanie Tonkin said that the new data was deeply worrying as it shows that Australia is losing the war against the international criminal networks directing and profiting from these scams.
“The Albanese Government promised us laws that would stop scams in their tracks, but the Codes and Rules needed to make these laws a reality, are nowhere to be seen,” Ms Tonkin said.
“Our world-leading Scam Prevention Framework (SPF) was announced at the beginning of February but since then the laws have been left to gather dust. Meanwhile, every day we are hearing of devastating scams, powered by sophisticated technology like Artificial Intelligence, robbing tens of thousands of Australians,” Ms Tonkin said.
“While we wait for the SPF rules to be implemented, scammers innovate and there continue to be wide gaps across banks in their investment in prevention technology and strategies. Without the SPF, there’s nothing pulling banks, telcos and digital platforms together to prevent and disrupt scams. Losses will continue to accelerate and outcomes for consumers will also be inconsistent – the SPF needs to be implemented urgently.”
The ACCC said online content, such as fake websites, advertisements, social media, and mobile apps, were the most common method used by scammers for initial contact, resulting in $122 million in losses, or 47 per cent of overall scam losses.
The National Anti-Scam Centre is also seeing more people report financial loss among vulnerable communities; with a 12 per cent rise for people with a disability, 35 per cent for those who speak English as a second language, and 50 percent for First Nations people.
“Vulnerable communities are being targeted and stopping Australians being robbed by scammers MUST be a priority for the Albanese Government,” she said.
ENDS
Media contact: Mark Pearce mark@consumeraction.org.au Tel: 0413 299 567
