National Campaign Launches to Combat Financial Scams During Scams Awareness Week

As Scams Awareness Week kicks off, a new national campaign is urging Australians to take an active role in the fight against financial scams

As Scams Awareness Week kicks off, a new national campaign is urging Australians to take an active role in the fight against financial scams.

The message is clear: anyone can fall victim to a scam, and everyone has a part to play in shutting down scammers.

Financial scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using a variety of tactics to deceive individuals into handing over their money or personal information. These criminals exploit moments of vulnerability, such as when someone is distracted, stressed, or anxious. The emotional toll of being scammed can be devastating, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Scammers often manipulate their victims into silence, making them less likely to report their experiences.

This year’s campaign emphasises the importance of speaking up and sharing your experiences. By talking openly about scams, individuals can help protect others from falling into the same traps. Whether it’s sharing a story with friends, family, or on social media, every conversation can make a difference. The more people know about the tactics used by scammers, the better equipped they are to avoid becoming victims themselves. The campaign urges individuals to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #ShareAScamStory.

One of the key messages of Scams Awareness Week is the power of collective action. When individuals report scams to authorities like Scamwatch, they contribute to a broader effort to track and shut down scam operations.

The campaign encourages Australians to follow the "Stop, Check, Report" strategy: stop and think before handing over money or personal details; check the legitimacy of the person or organisation contacting you; and report any suspicious activity to Scamwatch.

Victims of scams are not alone. Support services like IDCARE and financial counsellors are available to help people recover from the financial and emotional impact of scams. The campaign also highlights the importance of early action—contacting banks or card providers immediately can prevent further losses.

Visit ScamWatch for more information on the campaign.