The number of people reporting scam activity in Australia was at record levels in 2016 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s annual Targeting Scams report, with a 47 per cent increase in scam reports to the ACCC compared to 2015.
Losses reported to Scamwatch, ACORN and other scam disruption programs totalled $299.8 million.
Interesting notes from the data:
- Even split between phone and online orientated scams.
- Of the online scams the majority are initiated via email.
- 45% of those scammed were over 55.
- Scams revolving dating/romance and investments accounted for the majority of the $300m.
The ACCC’s full infographic embedded below:
Source: Australians lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2016 | ACCC