newy.com.au – NSW residents reported almost 28,000 scams and $56.7 million in losses during the first half of 2026, prompting a renewed warning for people across the Hunter and Central Coast to verify unexpected requests for money or personal information.
The Scamwatch figures represented about one-third of scam reports and losses nationally. No regional breakdown was provided, but NSW Police said scammers were increasingly using convincing websites, social media accounts and messages to impersonate banks, businesses and government agencies.
More than 170 people attended a seniors forum at Swansea on Friday to hear from police and consumer experts about identifying scams and protecting personal information.
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander Superintendent Chad Gillies said older residents were among those being targeted in their homes through unexpected calls, emails and text messages.
“Our message is simple: stop, think and verify,” Superintendent Gillies said.
“If you receive an unexpected call, email or message asking for money, personal information or banking details, take a moment to check it’s legitimate. That extra caution could save you from significant financial and emotional harm.”
Authorities are also warning about fraud in the property sector, where criminals impersonate solicitors, conveyancers or real estate agents and direct victims to transfer money into fraudulent accounts.
The scale of identity theft and data misuse extends beyond reported financial losses. ID Support NSW provided advice to more than 75,000 people last year after their personal information or identity documents were compromised or misused.
Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley said victims often felt embarrassed and some did not tell others they had lost money.
“For every person who comes into my office and tells me they have lost money to a scam, there is another who is too ashamed to admit it has happened to them,” Ms Catley said.
“We know scams don’t just take a financial toll on victims – they can take an emotional toll too. People can feel embarrassed but there is absolutely no shame in being targeted by a criminal.”
NSW Police advised people not to provide banking details, personal information or money in response to an unsolicited approach without first independently confirming who they were dealing with.
The Swansea forum included representatives from NSW Police, NSW Fair Trading, Service NSW, Seniors Rights Service and other community organisations. It also provided information about aged care rights, household rebates, wills and estates, and home fire safety.
