Global rise in online scams impacts millions in Australia, Ireland, and UK

Global reports highlight a rise in the sophistication and financial impact of online scams. In Ireland, research by Ekco estimates that scammers cost adults €760 million last year, with 96% of people encountering phishing attempts. The most common tactics included fraudulent customs charge requests and payment verification scams.

In Australia, Scams Awareness Week has drawn attention to rising financial losses despite a decrease in the total number of reported incidents. In South Australia alone, residents lost over $6 million in the first half of 2026, primarily to investment scams and identity theft. Experts note that younger generations, such as Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly targeted due to their high volume of digital financial touchpoints, including online shopping, side hustles, and AI-driven financial tools.

In the United Kingdom, data from Lloyds indicates that the average loss to impersonation scams rose by 10% over the past year, reaching £3,516. While the overall volume of reported impersonation cases fell slightly, specific types—such as fraudsters posing as banks, police, or tax authorities—have increased. Authorities across these regions advise a ‘stop, check, and protect’ approach, urging individuals to verify all unexpected requests through official channels rather than clicking provided links.