Top Scams in Australia: January 2025 Report

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and the start of 2025 saw a significant rise in fraudulent activities. January brought shocking financial losses, widespread reports of scams, and new insights into how fraudsters are targeting Australians. Understanding these trends is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones.

This blog provides a comprehensive breakdown of the data from January 2025, highlighting scam types, the financial toll, targeted demographics, and actionable prevention tips to help you stay safe.

📊 Total Losses and Reports

The scale of scams reported in January is alarming, painting a clear picture of the threats Australians are facing.

• Total Reported Losses: $36,708,808

• Total Scams Reported: 19,137
  
  

🧠 Scam Types

Fraudsters use diverse approaches to exploit victims, tailoring their strategies to maximize financial gain. Here’s how scams were categorized in January 2025.

💸 Top 5 Scam Types by Total Amount Lost

1. Investment Scams – $19.24 million

   Investment scams topped the list, accounting for over half of the total financial losses. These scams often involve fake opportunities, such as cryptocurrency, property investments, or shares, with scammers promising high returns. Victims are pressured into transferring funds, often losing significant sums.

2. Phishing – $6.12 million

   Phishing scams leverage fraudulent emails, texts, or websites to steal sensitive data like passwords, banking information, and personal details. Once obtained, these details are used for financial theft or identity fraud.

3. Dating and Romance Scams – $3.48 million

   Scammers prey on emotions by building fake relationships over time. Once trust is established, they ask for money through fabricated emergencies or shared future plans.

4. Jobs and Employment Scams – $2.48 million

   Jobseekers fell victim to scams where they were promised lucrative roles or work-from-home opportunities. Scammers often demanded upfront fees for fake training or equipment.

5. False Billing – $1.70 million

   Businesses and individuals were targeted with fake invoices disguised as legitimate. Victims, especially in busy accounts departments, unknowingly transferred payments to fraudulent accounts.
   
   

📈 Most Common Scam Types by Report Volume

1. Phishing (486 reports): The most reported scam category highlights how pervasive and disruptive phishing attempts remain.

2. Identity Theft (454 reports): Scammers targeted victims’ personal information to commit fraudulent activities in their names.

3. Other Scams (454 reports): A broad category including less common but still impactful scam tactics.

4. Online Shopping Scams (413 reports): Victims purchased items from fake websites that either delivered counterfeit goods or nothing at all.

5. Hacking (349 reports): Unauthorized access to computers or accounts caused disruption and financial losses.

Investment scams caused the highest financial losses, but phishing and identity theft scams continued to dominate in terms of volume. These threats, both large and small, create widespread challenges that affect everyday Australians.

👤 Targeted Demographics

Certain demographics were more frequently targeted by scammers in January 2025.

• Unspecified (1,036 reports): Many victims did not disclose their age when reporting scams.

• 65 and Over (685 reports): Seniors remain a key target due to their financial stability and potential lack of familiarity with digital scam tactics.

• 35–44 Year Olds (652 reports): Often active online and financially involved, this group faced targeted attacks like phishing and identity theft.

Scammers exploit the vulnerabilities of different age groups, from seniors unfamiliar with digital threats to working-age adults active in online spaces. Everyone, regardless of age, benefits from awareness and education.

📞 Methods of Contact

How scammers reach their victims varies greatly. Here’s the breakdown for January 2025.

1. Email (1,199 reports): The leading method, where fake messages mimicking trusted institutions attempted to steal information or money.

2. Phone Calls (843 reports): Scammers often impersonated banks, government agencies, or tech support in convincing phone scams.

3. Social Media/Forums (744 reports): Platforms like Facebook and Instagram were common hunting grounds for fraudsters.

4. Text Messages (636 reports): SMS phishing, or “smishing,” tricked victims into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive details.

5. Websites/Internet (616 reports): Fraudulent websites trapped victims with deals that were too good to be true.

Emails remain the most popular tool for scammers, but phone calls and social media illustrate the growing variety of platforms being exploited.

💸 Financial Impact

The financial impact of scams in January 2025 was devastating, affecting both individuals and businesses.

• Average Loss Per Report: $1,918 

For many victims, the losses aren’t just financial. The emotional and mental toll of scams can be long-lasting, damaging trust and relationships.

📍 Regional Impact

Scam reports were higher in populous states, reflecting both larger populations and increased online activity.

1. New South Wales (1,020 reports): The hardest-hit state by the sheer number of reports.

2. Victoria (907 reports): A close second in report volume.

3. Queensland (823 reports): Also highly targeted by scammers.

4. Western Australia (640 reports): A notable number of scams reported despite a smaller population than other states.

5. South Australia (477 reports): Rounded out the top five in scam activity volumes.

While larger states had more reports, it underscores that scams are a national issue affecting communities across Australia.

✅ Prevention Tips

Protect yourself and your loved ones from scams by following these simple yet effective strategies:

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

2. Use Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords and use a password manager to keep track.

3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: Question emails, texts, or calls asking for personal or financial information.

4. Verify Investment Opportunities: Check with official sources like ASIC’s Moneysmart before committing money to any scheme.

5. Discuss and Educate: Hold regular conversations with family, especially older adults and teenagers, to raise awareness about scams.

📣 Take Action

Understanding and sharing information about scams is vital for reducing their impact. You can help by taking these steps:

• Report Scams: Submit any suspicious activity to Scamwatch for investigation.

• Spread Awareness: Share this blog with friends, family, and colleagues to help more people stay informed.

• Download a Starter Pack: Get simple, step-by-step tools like the CyberSmart Starter Pack to improve your household’s safety.

• Join the Community: Sign up for events, tips, and resources to stay one step ahead of scammers.

Together, we can make a difference in combating scams by staying informed, vigilant, and proactive. Stay safe, stay smart, and spread the word to protect others from becoming victims.

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