Fraud and scams are acts of deceit designed to mislead others for financial or personal gain. Offenders will often use digital tools, phone communication, or false identities to manipulate victims and earn their trust, ultimately taking advantage of them. These crimes have serious consequences and are far from trivial.
The emotional and financial toll of scams can be severe, with long-lasting impacts on those affected. Fraud can result in significant financial loss, stress, and disruption to everyday life. In addition to psychological and financial consequences, fraud also leads to missed opportunities for individuals and businesses alike, compounding its damaging impact.
Scamwatch, a nationally operated service led by the National Anti-Scam Centre has released troubling insights regarding the prevalence of scams in Australia in 2025. So far, 159,320 scams have been reported in 2025 accumulating $259,526,927.88 worth in losses. With these statistics in mind, it is important to note that on average only 1 in 3 scams are reported (Scamwatch).
Scamwatch data further demonstrated that losses reported by First Nations people increased by 73.1 per cent to $6.5 million in 2024. Reports from support organisations have highlighted the growing impact of scams in regional and remote areas, including gambling, investment, and online shopping scams. Limited access to financial education and digital literacy resources can increase the risk of scam exposure. Addressing this issue requires continued awareness, education, and strong regulatory protections to help prevent fraudulent activity.
The Scams Prevention Framework Act 2025 has been passed by Parliament, marking a significant milestone in Australia’s efforts to combat scams and enhance consumer protection. The legislation establishes a regulatory framework that requires service providers in designated sectors to take proactive measures to prevent, detect, and respond to scam-related activities.
The Australian Government has provided their top tips to avoid scams:
STOP. Don’t give money or your information to anyone if unsure.
CHECK. Ask yourself if the message or call is fake. Contact the business on a number you source independently.
PROTECT. Act quickly if something feels wrong. Contact your bank immediately if you notice unusual activity or if a scammer gets your money or information. Seek help and report the scam or any suspicious contact or activity to Scamwatch.
The Francom Effect
At Francom, we recognise the detrimental impact fraud, and scams can have on individuals and businesses, mentally, physically, socially, and financially. We believe it is our responsibility to proactively educate and support stakeholders by implementing robust security measures, raising awareness, and working collaboratively to prevent and respond to fraudulent activity. We invite our partners to join us in this mission by sharing resources, reporting suspicious activity, and championing a culture of vigilance and integrity across all touchpoints.
Below are resources and services that provide information and assistance for identifying, preventing, and responding to scams and fraud.
Way Forward
Way Forward is dedicated to helping people address financial challenges through free, long-term assistance. The organisation provides tools, guidance, and practical strategies to support financial stability and independence. A variety of assistance programs are available online.
Visit their website at: https://wayforward.org.au/
Contact: 1300 045 502
Thriving Communities
As a proud partner, Francom endorses Thriving Communities Australia (TCA), a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving access to essential services across Australia. Through collaborative initiatives, TCA works with organisations to improve service accessibility and support positive outcomes. Their programs cover areas including financial wellbeing, disaster planning and recovery, and supported decision-making.
Visit their website at: https://www.thriving.org.au/
Contact: contact@thriving.org.au
Refuge Victoria
Francom is an honoured sponsor of Refuge Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation that provides crisis accommodation and a range of support services, including counselling, legal assistance, and help accessing government services. We acknowledge the important work they do and their commitment to supporting people during challenging circumstances.
Visit their website at: https://refugevictoria.org.au/
Contact: 03 9877 0311
First Nations Foundation
The First Nations Foundation supports Indigenous Australians in building financial literacy and achieving long-term economic wellbeing. Through tailored education programs, resources, and training, the Foundation helps individuals develop confidence in navigating financial systems. In 2022, the First Nations Foundation launched five financial literacy modules for Scams Awareness Week, focusing on scam awareness, identity protection, online banking, and common scam types including romance, investment, and online shopping scams.
Visit their website at: https://firstnationsfoundation.org.au/
References
ABC NEWS. ‘Scambling’ is an online gambling scam targeting First Nations communities. (29 August 2025). https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-29/scambling-the-online-gambling-scam-targeting-aboriginal-people/105709290
CHOICE. Scams targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers on the rise. (16 June 2023). https://www.choice.com.au/data-protection-and-privacy/protecting-your-data/data-privacy-and-safety/articles/scams-targeting-indigenous-australians-on-the-rise
Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre. The total impacts of fraud. (2025). https://www.counterfraud.gov.au/total-impacts-fraud
First Nations Foundation. First Nations Foundation takes on scammers targeting Indigenous Australians. (8 November 2022). https://firstnationsfoundation.org.au/articles/first-nations-foundation-takes-on-scammers-targeting-indigenous-australians
National Anti-Scam Centre. Australians better protected as reported scam losses fell by almost 26 per cent. (11 March 2025). https://www.nasc.gov.au/news/australians-better-protected-as-reported-scam-losses-fell-by-almost-26-per-cent
Parliament of Australia. Scams Prevention Framework Bill 2025. (2025). https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7275
Scamwatch. Scam Statistics. (2025). https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/scam-statistics