Scams are becoming more sophisticated and far-reaching in Australia than ever before. From artificial intelligence impersonations to complex phishing campaigns, fraudsters are targeting individuals and businesses with tactics that are hard to spot and even harder to stop. The numbers are alarming: in 2024, Australians lost over $2 billion to scams a figure that reflects only reported cases. The true cost, including emotional damage, lost productivity, and data breaches, is likely far higher.

In 2025, staying safe online and offline requires more than common sense it demands awareness, technological savvy, and proactive action. This guide outlines the most urgent threats today, what the government is doing to protect the public, and what you can do to stay a step ahead and learn the cyber safety tips.

Recognise the Top Scams in 2025

Understanding how scams operate is the first and most critical step to protecting yourself. In 2025, several scam types have emerged or evolved to pose significant risk to Australians.

1. Work-from-Home Job Scams

Still the most financially damaging scam in Australia, these target individuals looking for remote work. Fraudsters impersonate reputable platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, or Indeed, offering seemingly legitimate jobs to steal personal data, coerce unpaid labour, or trick victims into laundering money.

Common red flags:

Real Case: A Brisbane student lost $8,700 after applying for a “remote marketing assistant” job on a fake recruitment page. She was made to complete training modules and even received fake payslips before realizing the job didn’t exist.

2. Deepfake Impersonations

Advancements in AI have enabled scammers to create hyper-realistic deepfake videos and audio clips that impersonate celebrities, government officials, or CEOs. These are often used in:

Warning Sign: If a well-known figure suddenly “endorses” a crypto scheme or sends you a personal message asking for money or login info it’s a scam.

3. Fake Online Stores

Scammers have created hundreds of fake e-commerce sites that mimic real Australian retailers. They use paid ads on Google and social media, often selling in-demand products (electronics, fashion, baby gear) at heavy discounts.

Key indicators:

Consumer Alert: In early 2025, dozens of fake sites mimicking JB Hi-Fi and Bunnings were shut down after scamming thousands of users. Victims paid for products that never arrived, and their credit card details were stolen.

4. Romance & Pig Butchering Scams

These scams remain emotionally and financially devastating. Scammers spend weeks or months grooming their victims online before introducing “investment opportunities” or emergencies requiring urgent funds. AI-generated photos and fake social media profiles are commonly used.

5. Phishing and Government Impersonation

Emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to come from the ATO, MyGov, Medicare, or Australia Post are increasingly realistic. They often ask for:

Trend: Fake ATO tax refund messages and “missed delivery” scams surged during tax season and the holiday period.

Government Initiatives to Combat Scams

Recognising the severity of the scam epidemic, the Australian government has significantly stepped up efforts to protect consumers and businesses alike.

1. National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC)

Launched in 2023 under the ACCC, the NASC is a major national initiative that brings together government bodies, banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms to share intelligence and shut down scams in real time.

Recent achievements include:

The NASC is also leading public awareness campaigns, publishing scam alerts, and creating tools to help Australians verify offers and report fraud quickly.

2. Scams Prevention Bill 2025

This newly passed legislation marks a major milestone in consumer protection. Key features include:

Why It Matters: Until now, tech and financial companies were largely reactive. This law shifts the responsibility, forcing corporations to take active roles in prevention or face serious consequences.

3. Strengthened Collaboration with Financial Institutions

Banks are now required to:

Several major banks have already begun blocking payments to known scam-linked accounts and freezing funds upon notification of fraud.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself From Phishing

Technology is only part of the solution. Staying safe also requires personal vigilance and smart digital habits.

Verify All Communications

Never click on unsolicited links or attachments, especially those from unknown numbers or emails. Always verify through official websites or phone numbers.

Secure Your Personal Information

Scammers can do immense damage with just a few details. Protect your:

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, especially for email, banking, and cloud storage accounts.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create passwords that combine upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.

Consider using a password manager to store and generate complex credentials safely.

Be Cautious with Social Media

Your social media activity can make you a target. Keep personal information (birthday, pet names, locations) private. Don’t accept random friend requests or click links sent by unknown contacts.

Tip: Adjust your privacy settings so only friends can view your contact info and posts.

Educate Your Household and Workplace

Scams don’t just target you they target your network. Educate family members, especially:

Businesses should conduct regular cybersecurity training to prevent social engineering attacks like phishing or CEO fraud.

Report Scams Promptly

Don’t delay if you think you’ve encountered or fallen for a scam. Reporting helps shut down fraudsters and may help recover lost funds.

Report to:

The earlier you report, the better your chances of containment.