By GUY BARNETT MHA |
AS Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, I urge Tasmanians to remain vigilant about scams in the lead up to Scams Awareness Week, which runs from August 24-28. While awareness of scams continues to improve across Tasmania, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target vulnerable members of the community.
Tasmanians are becoming more confident in recognising and avoiding scams, especially our older community members. While these results are encouraging, scammers continue to evolve. The latest Scamwatch figures show investment scams are causing the greatest financial harm to Tasmanians. The top three scam types by reported losses are:
- Investment scams
- Relationship scams
- Buying and selling scams.
Older Tasmanians are disproportionately affected by scams, with those aged 55 years and over accounting for more than half of all reported scam losses in Tasmania in 2026. Whether you’re shopping or investing online, using dating or other apps, or responding to emails, it is important to stop and check before providing money or personal information.
Taking the time to verify who you are dealing with, and acting quickly when something doesn’t seem right, can help protect you from significant financial and emotional harm. As part of our 2030 Strong Plan, we’re working with community organisations across Tasmania to deliver free, one hour Scams Awareness Sessions.
These sessions provide practical information on recognising and avoiding scams, understanding consumer rights, and knowing where to seek help and report concerns. 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.
Guy Barnett is deputy premier and one of the seven state members for Lyons. New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News invites each Lyons MP to write for the paper on a regular basis.
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One Response
But if you are scammed by a builder they can phoenix after 2 years. Wet lettuce policy by Minister Barnett