Westpac has revealed the postcodes with the highest number of scam reports over the past year in an effort to raise awareness and help more customers spot a scam.
The data, based on customer reports to Westpac, shows that scammers are having the biggest impact in high-density and rapidly growing areas, with Sydney's CBD topping the national list. Other postcodes across the country most impacted by scams include the Western Sydney suburb of Liverpool, and the outer Melbourne suburbs of Tarneit, Werribee and Craigieburn.
Postcodes with the highest reported scam cases
- Australia-wide: 2000 (Sydney, NSW), 2170 (Liverpool, NSW), 3029 (Tarneit, VIC), 3030 (Werribee, VIC), 3064 (Craigieburn, VIC)
- New South Wales: 2000 (Sydney), 2170 (Liverpool), 2250 (Gosford), 2560 (Campbelltown), 2145 (Greystanes)
- Victoria: 3029 (Tarneit), 3030 (Werribee), 3064 (Craigieburn), 3000 (Melbourne), 3977 (Cranbourne)
- Queensland: 4870 (Cairns), 4670 (Bundaberg), 4350 (Toowoomba), 4211 (Nerang), 4510 (Caboolture)
- Western Australia: 6112 (Armadale), 6210 (Mandurah), 6065 (Landsdale), 6110 (Gosnells), 6155 (Canning Vale)
- South Australia: 5162 (Morphett Vale), 5108 (Salisbury), 5118 (Gawler), 5253 (Murray Bridge), 5169 (Seaford)
- Australian Capital Territory: 2615 (MacGregor), 2617 (Belconnen), 2614 (Macquarie), 2914 (Harrison), 2913 (Ngunnawal)
While scam numbers are naturally higher in states with larger populations, the rate of scams is highest in Western Australia and Queensland respectively.
Westpac Head of Fraud Prevention, Ben Young, says this is the second time the bank has lifted the lid on the country's scam hotspots and it's clear scammers continue to cast a wide net.
"From fake investment opportunities to irresistible online deals, scams are reaching Australians in every corner of the country. Scammers are constantly adapting and using emotional triggers and digital platforms to exploit Australians," said Young.
"While fast-growing areas have traditionally been hotspots, this year's data shows a noticeable rise in scam activity across inner-city postcodes, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
"The spike in reports from Sydney and Melbourne CBDs is partly driven by a rise in invoice or business email compromise scams targeting businesses. We know scammers are opportunistic and going after businesses may seem like an easy money-making opportunity."
While losses to scams continued to decline in the past 12 months, the data shows the scam types driving the largest losses are investment scams, followed by business email compromise, impersonation, romance and threat & penalty scams.
"It's encouraging to see overall scam losses continue to come down, but we know the impact on individuals and businesses can be devastating," Young said.
To help more Australians recognise and avoid a scam this Scams Awareness Week (25 - 29 August), Westpac hosted an online scam webinar for customers. The bank continues to invest in scam prevention and detection, including tools like Westpac Verify with Confirmation of Payee which alerts customers when the account name doesn't match the account number and BSB. A new in-app feature makes it easier for customers to report a scam digitally, and the upcoming launch of SafeBlock will allow customers to instantly block their accounts to prevent further loss if they suspect they're being scammed.
"Regardless of where our customers live, we're continuing to invest in new ways to detect and prevent scams and support our customers with education and awareness," Young said.
"We're stopping millions of dollars in scam attempts every month but this is not a fight we can win alone. The telcos and digital platforms can play a huge role in stopping scams at the source, protecting more people from these ruthless criminals.
"Our message is simple, if something feels off, take a moment to check before you click, pay or share your details. A few extra seconds could save you thousands of dollars."
Tips to help protect yourself from scammers
- Never give out your personal or financial information to anyone you don't know or trust.
- Don't click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages.
- Do your research before buying anything online and check the seller's reputation and reviews.
- Always phone a company on a trusted number to check the payment details are correct before paying an invoice.
- Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
- Don't send money or gift cards to someone you've never met in person, no matter how convincing their story is.
- Phone a family member or friend if you're unsure about anything.
