REVEALED: Tasmania's scam hot spots
Tasmanians have been scammed more than 4200 times this year, the government has revealed, as it prepares to hold a series of events to raise awareness of scam prevention measures.
Tasmania
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SCAMS cheat Tasmanians out of millions of dollars each year and talking about the problem was key to reducing their cost, Attorney-General Elise Archer says.
Launching Scam’s Awareness Week, Ms Archer said the problem was widespread but victims were often reluctant to talk.
“This year Tasmanians have reported 4252 scams which account for losses totalling over $2.3 million. The financial and emotional impact of these losses can be devastating for victims.
“The key message is to encourage everyone to talk to their family and friends about consumer fraud and how they can avoid becoming a victim of scams.
“Sharing stories and raising awareness of fraud prevention strategies with family, friends and neighbours is one of the most important preventive actions each of us can take to safeguard others.”
Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania, NBN Co and the Tasmanian government’s Consumer Building and Occupational Services will hold a series of events to raise awareness of scams this week.
EARLIER: From smooth-talking fraudsters to impersonators thousands of Tasmanians have fallen victim to scammers over the course of the pandemic. According to Scamwatch, Australians have lost more than $1.4m to nbn-related scams between January and September this year - with almost $22,000 in losses coming from Tasmanian residents.
Compared to 2020, scam reports were relatively the same - 104 calls were made last year across the state while only 102 were recorded this year. Despite the slight decrease the monetary loss was much more significant, Tasmanian residents losing $21,800 from nbn impersonation scams compared to only $8,900 last year.
As Scam Awareness Week kicks off, NBN has released a report of the most targeted suburbs across Tasmania with a number of residents, many over the age of 65, falling victim to scams.
chelsea.cosgrave@themercury.com.au
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