24 August 2026

Guy Barnett, Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs

Tasmanians are being encouraged to learn how to recognise, avoid and report scams this Scams Awareness Week.

Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said scammers are constantly adapting their methods, and staying informed remains our best defence.

“While Tasmania has seen a significant reduction in scam losses in recent years, scammers continue to evolve their tactics and target people through increasingly sophisticated online, phone, email and social media channels,” Minister Barnett said.

“Scams Awareness Week is a reminder for every Tasmanian to stop, check and protect before acting on unexpected requests for money or personal information.”

The most effective defence against scams is to:

  • Stop and check before you click any links in an unsolicited email or text, or pay or share personal information in response to an unexpected request.
  • Check to make sure the person or organisation that has contacted you the organisation’s verified contacts.
  • Protect your money, personal information and online accounts; and
  • Report scam attempts to Scamwatch to help protect others.
​
The latest Scamwatch figures show Tasmanians have reported losses of more than $2.3 million this year alone, with investment, relationship, and buying and selling scams among the most harmful and costly scams affecting the community.

With older Tasmanians and those living in rural communities particularly vulnerable, the Tasmanian Government is working with community organisations to deliver scam awareness activities and educational resources across the State, including George Town, Oatlands, Dunalley and New Norfolk.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's future, we’re working with community organisations across Tasmania to deliver free, one hour Scams Awareness Sessions,” Minister Barnett said.

“These community education sessions will provide practical advice on identifying investment scams, buying and selling scams, impersonation scams and other emerging threats affecting Tasmanians.”

If your organisation is interested in hosting a free session in 2026/27, please go to www.cbos.tas.gov.au/scamsawareness.

Tasmanians who believe they may have been targeted by a scam are encouraged to report it to Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

“By reporting scams, Tasmanians can help protect others in the community from falling victim to the same tactics,” Minister Barnett said.