As Scam Awareness Week 2026 kicks off, NSW residents are being urged to think twice before they click links that may appear genuine, with scammers increasingly using fake websites, fake social media posts and impersonation scams to steal money and personal information.
Running from 24 to 28 August, the theme of this year's Scam Awareness Week is "no one's just a number" - recognising that behind every scam statistic is a real person, family, business or community impacted by financial loss, identity theft or emotional distress.
NSW consumers are increasingly being targeted through digital channels, with scammers impersonating trusted brands, government agencies and businesses to create convincing fake communications designed to trick people into handing over money or personal information.
NSW residents reported almost 28,000 scams and $56.7 million in losses to ScamWatch during the first half of 2026, highlighting the persistent threat posed by increasingly sophisticated scam activity. NSW makes up around one third of all 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 when criminals impersonate a solicitor, conveyancer or real estate agent and scam a person into transferring their money into a fraudulent account.
People are encouraged to attend ID Support NSW's free 30-minute Scam Awareness Week Webinar today at 10.30am at https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/id-support-nsw/events-hub/events/scams-awareness-week-2026-webinar.
The session focuses on how to identify and avoid scams and how to report them.
People are also reminded to:
- Stop before sharing money or personal information;
- Check who they are really dealing with using independently sourced contact details; and
- Protect themselves and others by reporting scams and seeking support if they believe their identity or personal information has been compromised.
To help people stay vigilant against the threat of scams, ID Support NSW provides ongoing education through a range of online and in-person events.
Over the past year, ID Support NSW hosted and supported 220 identity protection presentations, community stalls and outreach events, reaching almost 116,000 people.
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 or by calling 13 32 20.
Acting Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government & Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Scams can have real, devastating impacts on everyone in our community.
"It's always worth taking the time to be sure you are not being scammed, because we want everyone to stop, check, and protect themselves and their loved ones against this kind of behaviour.
"Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, targeting people through fake websites, social media, messaging apps and impersonations."
NSW Chief Information & Digital Officer Laura Christie said:
"Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using fake websites, social media, text messages and online advertisements to target people in their everyday lives.
"Whether you're shopping online, responding to a text message or communicating through social media, it's important to take a moment and verify who you're dealing with.
"A few extra minutes spent checking can save thousands of dollars and prevent significant emotional and financial stress.
"Talking openly about scams helps break down stigma, raises awareness and makes it harder for scammers to succeed."
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:
"Always stop to check before clicking, sharing, or paying. If a caller threatens you for immediate payment, it's likely a scam.
"Check that communication is real by contacting the person or organisation directly using details you've found yourself.
"Scams can affect anyone, and greater awareness about scams across the community is an important step towards tackling this pervasive issue."
