- WA
ScamNet report shows the methods scammers used to steal millions in 2025
- More
than a quarter of scams involved criminals impersonating banks or other trusted
brands
- People encouraged to report scams and
suspicious behaviour to WA ScamNet
- Cook Government
building safe communities
The Cook Government is
urging Western Australians to stay vigilant with new scam figures revealing
victims were fleeced of $24,052,494 last year.
Releasing the latest WA
ScamNet Year in Review report, Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti said scammers
were increasingly using stolen personal data to manipulate people into handing
over money.
The report is the result
of analysis by WA ScamNet, which is part of the Department of Local Government,
Industry Regulation and Safety's (LGIRS) Consumer Protection division.
The report noted 27 per
cent of reported scams involved phishing where scammers impersonate trusted
brands, government agencies, or banks to steal personal data via SMS, email, or
calls.
Phishing and hacking scams
accounted for a combined loss of $2.1 million while investment scams saw $13.7
million in losses. Dating and romance scams cost victims $3.8 million and fake
charities resulted in losses of $2 million.
The use of artificial
intelligence (AI) and information obtained through data breaches appear to be
an emerging feature, particularly in bank impersonation scams, which involved $257,819
being stolen from 20 victims in 2025 and a further $93,000 so far in 2026.
One Perth
victim lost $4,541 after she received a call from someone posing as her banks
fraud department. The caller claimed her account had been compromised and
urgent action was needed. The woman did not suspect it was a scam because she
had recently been subject to a credit card scam and the caller was highly
convincing. She said he had an Australian accent, possibly AI-generated, and he
knew her email address, likely obtained through a data breach.
There were more than 30
scams involving threats or blackmail last year. This generally involves
scammers claiming they have hacked a person's device and have personal images.
The scammers then threaten to leak that data or images unless they are paid.
They often demand more money even when victims do pay.
Employment scams
increased in 2025, with scammers texting or emailing an employee, posing as
their boss, asking them to purchase gift vouchers as a surprise for other staff.
While the total amount
stolen was high, the report found the overall financial loss from scams in WA last
year was down 12 per cent from 2024.
As more personal
information circulates online, the Cook Government is urging consumers to take
steps to secure both their digital accounts and their identity and reminds
businesses to invest in strong cyber security systems.
The 2025 Year in Review
report is available on WA ScamNet's website: www.scamnet.wa.gov.au, where scams can
also be reported. Reports can also be made by calling 1300 30 40 54 or emailing
consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"It's unsettling how much
personal information scammers can get their hands on, but it's not unexpected.
With large-scale data breaches happening more frequently, cybercriminals are
able to obtain names, contact details, and bits of account data that make their
scams far more convincing.
"This is why it's so
important for Western Australians to pause and talk to someone they trust
before potentially become a scam statistic.
"Don't rush to make
decisions about sharing personal information or transferring money and think
twice before clicking on links or
attachments in emails.
"And never take investment advice from an online contact. Talk to someone
you trust, report suspicious behaviour, and contact your bank immediately if
money has been sent."
