The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) is encouraging Canberrans to be active participants in the fight against fraud as International Fraud Awareness week winds up for another year.
Figures released by the ACCC’s Scams Awareness Network (SAN) report that 4,323 Canberrans reported scams to Scamwatch this year, representing a loss of over $2.2 million.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Shane Rattenbury said online dating scams continued to be one of the most financially devastating, with over $1 million lost due to fraudulent activity since January.
“Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and taking advantage of developments in technology and the increasing number of people conducting business online,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Scamwatch reported that Canberrans have lost nearly $200,000 in investment scams this year and attempts to gain personal information through phishing emails was the most reported scam type, with 1,392 reported so far this year.
“To avoid being a victim of fraud, Canberrans should do their research before big purchases or enlisting services from a contractor or business. Checking rating websites and online reviews can be a great way to identify trustworthy service providers” Mr Rattenbury said.
The Minister urged Canberrans to do their research before making significant purchases or enlisting services from a contractor or business.
“Checking rating websites and online reviews can be a great way to identify trustworthy service providers,” said Mr Rattenbury.
