Cybercrime on the Rise: How to Stay Safe in 2023

Scams hitting Australians have gone from bad to worse. In 2022, people lost more than $3 billion to fraud — a sharp jump that shows how serious the problem has become. These aren’t just random attacks anymore. Criminals are getting smarter, using trust and new tech to fool people. While old-school phone scams have dropped a bit thanks to rules and oversight, scammers are now using tools we rely on every day — from dating apps to messaging services — to reach victims. The reality is, you’re not just being targeted by scams anymore — you’re being manipulated, often through emotions like hope or loneliness. Recognising these patterns early is the only way to protect your money and personal info in a world that’s getting more complicated by the day.

The biggest threats today aren’t just about getting you to click or call. They’re about convincing you that something is real — and then making you act on it. Investment scams, especially those involving crypto, are booming. Over half of all fraud cases in 2022 involved some kind of investment scheme, many of which promise huge returns with little risk. Scammers set up fake platforms, often with slick websites and fake endorsements, and get people to send money. Then there’s romance baiting — where scammers build fake relationships online, slowly turning trust into financial pressure. They’ll start with sweet messages, then slip in investment ideas, usually involving crypto. It’s not just a scam; it’s emotional manipulation. Business email fraud has also gotten sharper. Attackers now hack into company emails or create fake messages that look like they come from trusted partners. Once the victim is convinced, they’re wired money to a fake account. And these scams aren’t just random — they’re tailored to real business details, making them harder to spot. Meanwhile, text message scams have exploded in popularity. For the first time, texts are now the top way scammers reach people. These messages look like they come from banks or government agencies, asking for personal details or urging action — like a fake alert about a suspicious transaction. You can’t just assume it’s real.

Key Scams to Watch Out For

• Cryptocurrency investment scams: Scammers promise big returns through fake crypto platforms, often with no real regulation or security. Victims are lured in with flashy claims and then asked to transfer money.
• Romance baiting (“pig butchering”): Scammers start real relationships online, building trust before pushing victims into investing — usually in cryptocurrency. It plays on vulnerability and emotional connection.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams: Attackers impersonate trusted contacts, sending emails that look legitimate and urge urgent payments. These scams use real business details to sound credible.
• Text message scams: Scammers now use texts as a primary attack vector. Messages mimic official alerts, asking for personal data or immediate action — and they’re more common than ever.

Stay sharp. If something feels off — especially if it asks for money or personal details — don’t reply. Call the official number directly, verify the request, and report it. Awareness is your best defence. When you stay alert and take action, you help stop the cycle of fraud.