Research and resources

Scams cost billions yearly. In 2023, U.S. losses hit $10 billion, up from $8.8 billion in 2022, per the FTC. Investment scams led with $4.6 billion lost, followed by impostor scams at $2.7 billion. Email became the top scam method, while social media scams cost $1.4 billion. The FBI reported 880,418 cybercrime complaints, with $12.5 billion in losses. Seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion, often to tech support fraud. Globally, scam tactics evolve, but awareness can reduce their toll.

"The Little Black Book of Scams" is a widely recognized guide, originally developed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and adapted globally, including by Canada’s Competition Bureau. It educates consumers and small businesses about common scams like phishing, romance fraud, and investment schemes. The booklet highlights tactics scammers use—urgency, impersonation, and emotional manipulation—while offering practical tips: verify sources, protect personal info, and report fraud. Available in multiple languages, it’s a vital tool for awareness, empowering people to recognize, reject, and report scams, reducing their devastating financial and emotional toll.

The Scam Awareness Network (SAN) is a collaborative group of government agencies across Australia and New Zealand focused on consumer protection against scams, fraud, and cybercrime. Led by bodies like the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), SAN works with industry, consumer groups, and law enforcement to raise awareness and disrupt scam activities. Through initiatives like Scams Awareness Week, SAN educates the public on recognizing scams—such as phishing or impersonation—and encourages reporting to platforms like Scamwatch. Their efforts aim to empower communities, reduce financial losses, and make the region a tougher target for scammers.

The "Targeting Scams" report, published annually by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), details scam trends and their impact. The 2023 report revealed Australians lost AUD $3.1 billion to scams, with investment scams leading at $1.3 billion, followed by romance scams and phishing. It highlights a shift to sophisticated tactics, like AI-driven fraud, and increased targeting via text messages (up 25% from 2022). The report emphasizes collaboration between government, law enforcement, and private sectors to disrupt scams and educate the public. Awareness and reporting remain key to reducing losses.

Numerous resources help combat scams. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch offers scam alerts and reporting tools. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides guides on fraud prevention and recovery steps. Canada’s "Little Black Book of Scams" details common tactics and protections. Websites like AARP’s Fraud Watch Network support seniors with tips and hotlines. X posts and web searches reveal real-time scam trends. Local police and banks offer reporting channels, while WhatsApp (+6580330840) connects victims to share stories. These tools empower you to spot, avoid, and report scams effectively. (96 words)

Scam awareness resources are available in multiple languages to reach diverse communities. Australia’s Scamwatch offers guides in over 20 languages, like Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese. Canada’s "Little Black Book of Scams" comes in English, French, and other translations. The U.S. FTC provides Spanish-language fraud alerts and multilingual hotlines. These resources explain scam tactics—phishing, impersonation, romance fraud—and prevention tips in your native tongue, ensuring accessibility. Check government websites, local agencies, or contact us via WhatsApp (+6580330840) for support in your language. Awareness in your language keeps you informed and protected!