Top Scams in Australia – February 2025

Scams remain a growing problem in Australia, with February 2025 demonstrating just how costly and widespread fraudulent activities can be. From financial losses to targeted demographics, the insights from this month’s data underline the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting against scams.

This blog takes a closer look at the numbers behind February’s scams in Australia, including the financial impact, the most common methods used by fraudsters, and actionable tips to keep yourself and your family safe.

📊 Total Losses and Reports

The statistics from February paint a concerning picture of the financial damage caused by scams.

• Total Reported Losses: $28,772,517

• Total Scams Reported: 17,394
  
  

🧠 Scam Types

Scammers employ varied methods to exploit victims, targeting weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Here’s how scams were categorized in February 2025.

💸 Top 5 Scam Types by Total Amount Lost

1. Investment Scams – $14.16 million

   Investment scams led the financial losses again this month. Fraudsters often posed as credible advisors or created fake investment platforms. Many promised unrealistically high returns, but victims were left with empty wallets instead of profits.

2. False Billing – $3.60 million

   These scams targeted businesses and individuals, sending fake invoices disguised as legitimate ones. Busy schedules and lack of verification allowed scammers to steal millions.

3. Phishing – $2.39 million

   Fake emails, text messages, or websites mimicking trusted organizations tricked victims into sharing login credentials or personal details, which were then used for financial theft or fraud.

4. Dating and Romance Scams – $2.32 million

   Emotional manipulation remained a powerful tool for scammers. They forged online relationships, gaining victims’ trust before requesting financial help under false pretenses.

5. Jobs and Employment Scams – $1.67 million

   Frauds targeting jobseekers promised well-paying roles or remote work opportunities. Scammers asked for upfront costs for training, equipment, or application fees, only to vanish afterward.
   
   

📈 Most Common Scam Types by Report Volume

1. Phishing (465 reports): Continuously the most reported scam, phishing attacks affected hundreds of individuals and businesses alike.

2. Identity Theft (450 reports): Scammers collected personal details to open accounts or commit fraud under someone else’s name.

3. Other Scams (443 reports): A diverse category including lesser-known but dangerous scam types.

4. Online Shopping Scams (407 reports): Fake e-commerce websites led victims to pay for goods they never received.

5. False Billing (366 reports): Highlighting the volume as well as the financial cost of these deceptive practices.

While investment scams caused the highest monetary losses, phishing scams dominated by report volume. This underscores both the scale of financial damage and the everyday disruption caused by scams.

👤 Targeted Demographics

Fraudsters tailored their scams to target victims of all ages, but some groups bore the brunt of the attacks in February 2025.

• Unspecified (1,028 reports): The largest category, indicating many victims did not disclose their age.

• 65 and Over (692 reports): Older adults were once again a key target, often due to their financial security and lower familiarity with digital threats.

• 45–54 Year Olds (626 reports): This income-earning, tech-savvy demographic faced significant targeting through phishing and false billing scams.

Scammers adapt their tactics to exploit the specific vulnerabilities of different demographics. Regardless of age, consistent education and protection are essential for reducing victims.

📞 Methods of Contact

Scam tactics are as varied as the fraudsters themselves. Here’s how victims were contacted in February 2025:

1. Email (1,109 reports): Fake emails impersonating trusted brands remain the most popular way for scammers to access sensitive information.

2. Phone Calls (845 reports): Scammers often posed as government agencies or financial institutions in phone-based fraud.

3. Social Media/Forums (717 reports): Platforms like Facebook and Instagram fielded countless fraudulent posts, advertisements, and fake profiles.

4. Text Messages (654 reports): “Smishing” scams lured victims with deceptive messages and malicious links.

5. Websites/Internet (548 reports): Fake websites continued to catch online shoppers off guard with unbeatable deals that never delivered.

Email scams stand out as the go-to method for fraudsters, followed by the persistent prevalence of scam phone calls and misleading social media interactions.

💸 Financial Impact

The financial consequences of scams in February were significant, evidencing both individual losses and wider economic damage.

• Average Loss Per Report: $1,654

Scams aren’t just financial setbacks. They often result in emotional distress, distrust, and long-term impacts on victims’ confidence and relationships.

📍 Regional Impact

Scams have a nationwide reach, but February’s data shows certain states were more affected than others.

1. New South Wales – 980 reports: The state with the highest number of cases reported.

2. Victoria – 909 reports: A close second in scam volume.

3. Queensland – 817 reports: Another heavily impacted state.

4. Western Australia – 578 reports: Significant reports despite its smaller population size.

5. South Australia – 451 reports: Rounding out the top five in regional scam activity.

Scams are a national issue impacting every corner of Australia, with denser populations often experiencing the highest number of cases reported.

✅ Prevention Tips

Protect yourself and your household by adopting these actionable measures to combat scams:

• Double-Check Investment Offers: Always verify opportunities through ASIC’s Moneysmart Investor Alert List to avoid fake schemes.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security to your important accounts.

• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Emails or Calls: Avoid sharing information with unknown contacts requesting personal or payment details.

• Discuss Scam Red Flags: Have open conversations with your family, especially older adults and younger members, to keep everyone informed.

• Secure Your Passwords: Use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords and never reuse them across accounts.
  
  

📣 Take Action

Awareness is one of the most valuable tools in preventing scams. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Share Knowledge: Spread this blog among friends, family, and coworkers to encourage vigilance.

• Report Scams: If you come across fraudulent activity, report it immediately at Scamwatch.gov.au.

• Start Conversations: Use a family-wide discussion to improve online safety together.

• Subscribe for Resources: Join CyberSmart Families to access monthly scam insights, safety guides, and more.

Together, we can stay informed and proactive in the fight against scams. Keep learning, stay vigilant, and protect yourself and others.

Note: All statistics and data in this blog were sourced from Scamwatch, a trusted resource for tracking and understanding scam trends in Australia.