Scams in Australia: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis
Scams in Australia are no longer just a financial issue—they’re a growing mental health crisis.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology’s “Cybercrime in Australia: 2024” report, nearly half (47%) of Australians experienced some form of cybercrime in the past year. The most prevalent were online abuse and harassment (26.8%), identity crime (21.9%), malware (20.6%), and fraud/scams (9.5%). Alarmingly, about 25% also reported data breaches. Despite these threats, only a quarter of users regularly updated passwords or used secure password managers, highlighting poor cybersecurity habits.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 3.1% of Australians experienced personal fraud between 2023 and 2024, up from 2.5% the previous year, affecting over 675,000 people. The financial losses are staggering. Between January and April 2025, Australians lost over AU$119 million to scams, with investment scams accounting for 51% of reported losses, despite a significant decrease in the total number of scams reported.
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using AI, deepfakes, and impersonation tactics to deceive victims. Common scams include phishing, fake job offers, romance scams, and impersonation of trusted organizations. These scams often exploit platforms like Facebook, Amazon, and eBay, impersonating brands, government bodies, and celebrities to steal money and personal data.
The psychological toll is profound. Victims often experience shame, guilt, and anxiety, and the emotional fallout can be as damaging as the financial loss. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s National Anti-Scam Centre reports a growing number of such incidents, including elaborate “virtual kidnapping” scams where victims are manipulated into staging their own abductions.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a scam, it’s crucial to seek support. SeekHelp.com.au offers a range of services to assist individuals in navigating the emotional and psychological impacts of scams. Don’t let the aftermath of a scam affect your mental well-being—help is available.