Australia's national response to scams has strengthened in recent years through government-led anti-scam measures. Yet losses remain above $2 billion, and scams continue to have a significant and devastating impact on individuals, particularly those in vulnerable communities. In a new white paper, RMIT professor Mathews Nkhoma has identified the critical gap in anti-scam architecture before funds have been irreversibly transferred.
Professor Mathews Nkhoma, Associate Deputy Vice Chancellor Strategy International & Engagement, College of Business and Law:
"The national anti-scam system is currently at its strongest either before contact is made or after loss has occurred. Between these points lies a stage that is less formally recognised - the pre-transaction stage - when a victim of fraud and under pressure or deception, seeks access to funds.
"This is the point at which behavioural intervention can prevent a scam from progressing and funds have not yet been irreversibly transferred.
"Despite its significance, the pre-transaction stage is not formally recognised as a distinct intervention layer within the national anti-scam architecture.
"A proposed pre-transaction stage strategy would operate through existing service infrastructure rather than requiring a new institution, with the purpose of interrupting scam-related harm at the moment when deception intersects with financial decision-making.
"Community finance services operate precisely at this point of decision. A staged pilot would test and refine this intervention layer, assessing its effectiveness, safeguards and integration within the broader anti-scam framework."
Professor Mathews Nkhoma has authored a white paper Completing Australia's anti-scam architecture in partnership with Good Shepherd.
Professor Mathews Nkhoma is the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategy, International and Engagement Portfolio within the College of Business and Law at RMIT University. He was appointed to this role in 2021, following a distinguished record of academic leadership at the University.
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