As Scams Awareness Week 2026 gets underway, NSW residents are being urged to think twice before clicking links that appear genuine, with scammers increasingly using fake websites, social media posts and impersonation scams to steal money and personal information.
Running from 24 to 28 August, this year’s theme is “No one’s just a number”, highlighting the real financial and emotional impact scams can have on individuals, families, businesses and communities.
NSW consumers are increasingly being targeted through digital channels, with scammers impersonating trusted brands, government agencies and businesses to create convincing fake communications.
NSW residents reported almost 28,000 scams and $56.7 million in losses to Scamwatch during the first half of 2026, accounting for around one third of reports and losses nationwide.
Last year, ID Support NSW provided advice and guidance to more than 75,000 customers whose personal information or identity documents had been compromised or misused.
NSW Fair Trading is also working with consumers and industry to examine scams in the property sector, including cases where criminals impersonate solicitors, conveyancers or real estate agents and trick people into transferring money to fraudulent accounts.
ID Support NSW held a free Scam Awareness Week webinar on 25 August, focusing on how to identify, avoid and report scams.
Consumers are being reminded to:
- Stop before sharing money or personal information;
- Check who they are dealing with using independently sourced contact details; and
- Protect themselves and others by reporting scams and seeking support if personal information has been compromised.
Over the past year, ID Support NSW hosted and supported 220 identity protection presentations, community stalls and outreach events, reaching almost 116,000 people.
Acting Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government and Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said scammers were constantly changing their tactics and urged consumers to take extra time to verify communications before clicking, sharing information or making payments.
Consumers can access free practical advice, learning resources and support through ID Support NSW at www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw.
People can also report scams to ACCC’s Scamwatch at http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.
Consumers who experience problems with a business operating in NSW can lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint
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