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 toll on victims can be severe, with long-lasting effects that extend to their families, caregivers, and broader communities. According to the Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre, individuals who rely on government services, such as the elderly, the vulnerable, the sick and ill, and the disadvantaged are especially impacted. For these groups, fraud can intensify existing difficulties, deepen social divides, and increase exposure to harm. In addition to psychological and physical distress, 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 incurred by First Nations people increased by 73.1 per cent to $6.5 million in 2024. A representative from CatholicCare NT, has expressed that scammers have unethically been “geo-targeting First Nations communities”, while Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) has made it known that gambling scams have been “spreading like wildfire” among First Nations mobs in the NT, WA, NSW and QLD. Those living in remote communities who are generally more reliant on online purchases and have lower internet literacy rates may be more vulnerable to scams. Undoubtably, this is a major issue. To combat these targeted scams and protect communities with vulnerabilities, we must work together to raise awareness, support culturally appropriate financial education, and advocate for stronger protections and enforcement.
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 deeply recognise the detrimental impact fraud and scams can have on individuals and businesses, mentally, physically, socially, and financially. We believe it is our duty to proactively educate, protect, and support our community and the vulnerable 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 we have provided resources and services that can support and inform individuals and businesses in identifying, preventing and responding to scams and fraud.
Way Forward
Way Forward is a person-centred organisation dedicated to understanding the unique financial challenges faced by the individuals it supports. By offering long-term, free assistance, Way Forward empowers people with the tools and strategies they need to regain financial stability and maintain independence in managing their finances. A range of diverse assistance programs are readily available for those online including parents, the elderly, students, and vulnerable communities.
Visit their website at: https://wayforward.org.au/
Contact: 1300 045 502
Thriving Communities
As a proud partner, Francom highly endorses Thriving Communities Australia (TCA), a not-for-profit organisation committed to ensuring everyone in contemporary Australia has fair access to the essential services they need. Through co-designed, community-led initiatives, TCA tackles vulnerability by uniting diverse organisations to help shape a more inclusive and supportive system for individuals. They have many assisted services designed for financial stability, 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 who have a mission to assist those in vulnerable circumstances. Refuge Victoria provide individualised support through crisis accommodation and essential services, initiating urgent Centrelink payments, counselling and legal support. We honour the important work they do, which not only strengthens our community but also inspires others through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference every day.
Visit their website at: https://refugevictoria.org.au/
Contact: 03 9877 0311
First Nations Foundation
The First Nations Foundation is dedicated to supporting Indigenous Australians in building financial literacy and achieving long-term economic wellbeing. Through culturally tailored education programs, resources, and training, the Foundation strives to enrich the lives of First Nations individuals and communities, particularly those facing adversity – by equipping them with the tools to navigate financial systems with confidence and independence. In 2022, the First Nations Foundation launched five financial literacy modules for Scams Awareness Week, free for learners to access via sponsored licenses. The modules focus on scam awareness, identity protection, and the benefits of online banking; while addressing three major scams affecting First Nations communities: 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