Key Points:
Australia’s Total Scam Losses Decline, But Reports to IDCARE Surge
The Targeting Scams Report 2024, released today, marks the second consecutive year of declining nationwide financial losses to scams, reflecting the positive impact of collaborative efforts by government and industry to make Australia a harder target for cybercriminals.
However, IDCARE, Australia’s national scam, cyber, and identity support service, has seen a stark increase in reported losses. In 2024, reported financial losses to IDCARE surged to $513.6 million, with the number of individual reports rising from 30,530 to 42,193.
Dr Lacey welcomed the national decrease in scam losses and ACCC Deputy Chair, Catriona Lowe’s, assessment that “one of the best weapons we have is the intelligence reported by Australians to us or our partners”.
“This report clearly highlights the value of collaboration with governments, the financial sector and IDCARE working together to make a change,” he said.
“Australia is one of the only countries in the world where scam losses have been declining and this is no doubt due to working together.”
He said the report highlighted the growing number of Australians seeking IDCARE’s assistance.
“These figures show that more Australians are recognising the value of not just reporting scams to IDCARE, but critically receiving personalised support when they need it most,” Dr Lacey said.
“This is further reinforced by the overwhelming positive feedback our specialist case managers receive from impacted people each day.”
Expanding Support for Australians Impacted by Scams
As demand for its services continues to grow, IDCARE has expanded its support offerings, ensuring more Australians receive the help they need in the wake of cybercrime.
“Last year, we celebrated our 10th anniversary and introduced new initiatives to better serve the community, both for individuals and organisations” Dr Lacey said.
“Organisations can show their support of victims of these crimes by supporting IDCARE’s efforts through our Community Care subscriber program. This program allows IDCARE to resource critical victim support and provide benevolent relief, including Cyber First Aid and wellbeing services managed by the IDCARE Foundation’s team of psychologists to more than nine thousand Australians a month.
“Many Australians come to IDCARE where they have lost their entire life savings. Unfortunately with the cessation of funding to support community members that come to IDCARE via ReportCyber, generating support for our Community Care subscriber program becomes even more important.
“We know cybercrime is about more than just financial loss. It affects trust and confidence in online interactions. Our case managers work to help individuals respond effectively and rebuild that trust.
Cyber Resilience Outreach Clinics: Bringing Support to Vulnerable Communities
IDCARE was set to launch its refreshed Cyber Resilience Outreach Clinic initiative this week from its Sunshine Coast headquarters. However, the launch was postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“IDCARE is also on the forefront of community education, since our inception in 2013,” Dr Lacey said.
“We deliver in-person Clinics to communities our data analysts have identified as experiencing more harm from scams.
“Our team is heading to Liverpool, near Sydney, tonight after our analysts found the average financial loss in the area was higher than the national average. These Clinics empower residents with knowledge to protect themselves in the online space.”
For more information or media enquiries, please contact: Kathy Sundstrom on 0424 486 115 or email kathy@idcare.org.
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