South Australians reported losing more than $15.6 million to investment scams in 2025–26, as police warn scammers continue to cause significant financial and emotional harm across the community.
SAPOL is highlighting the latest scam trends as part of Scams Awareness Week, with new analysis showing investment scams remain the most financially damaging scam type reported by South Australian victims.
Despite the number of reported investment scams continuing to decline, 361 reports in 2025-26 accounted for approximately $15.6 million in losses, 38 per cent of all reported scam losses recorded for South Australian victims through ReportCyber.
Investment scams are fraudulent schemes designed to convince victims to transfer money into what appears to be a legitimate investment opportunity, often with promises of high or guaranteed returns and little risk.
Scammers may use fake trading platforms, cryptocurrency schemes, impersonated bonds or term deposits, and increasingly sophisticated tactics such as AI-generated deepfakes, fabricated news articles and false celebrity endorsements.
Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Daly, Financial and Cybercrime Investigation Branch, said the figures demonstrated that fewer reports did not necessarily mean less harm.
“Investment scams continue to result in devastating losses for South Australians, with victims often losing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Detective Chief Inspector Daly said.
“Scammers can spend significant time building trust and creating the impression that an investment is legitimate before encouraging victims to transfer increasingly large amounts of money.
“If you are approached with an investment opportunity, particularly unexpectedly, take your time and independently verify who you are dealing with before transferring any money.
“Be particularly cautious if you are being pressured to act quickly, promised unusually high or guaranteed returns, or encouraged to transfer money through unfamiliar platforms.”
The average reported investment scam loss in 2025-26 was approximately $46,000 for male victims and $64,000 for female victims who reported losing money – with one matter involving more than $2 million.
While these figures were influenced by several particularly high-value losses, SAPOL analysis shows significant losses continue to be reported across both male and female victims.
Older South Australians are also accounting for an increasing proportion of investment scam victims, with people aged over 65 responsible for about 40 per cent of reported investment scam losses in 2025-26.
“There should be no embarrassment in reporting a scam or online abuse. These offenders are highly manipulative and deliberately exploit people’s trust, emotions and vulnerabilities.
“Talking about scams also helps remove the stigma around victimisation and can help family and friends recognise the warning signs before they lose money.”
SAPOL encourages South Australians to:
- stop and think before transferring money or providing personal or financial information;
- independently verify the identity of people or organisations contacting them;
- be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities and promises of guaranteed or unusually high returns;
- avoid paying deposits for marketplace purchases without verifying the seller and item;
- never send money or further images to someone threatening to distribute intimate content; and
- talk to family and friends about scam approaches and report suspicious activity.
Victims of scams and cybercrime can make a report through ReportCyber at cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover/report.
Anyone who believes they have transferred money to a scammer should contact their financial institution as soon as possible.
Support:
- eSafety Commissioner – www.esafety.gov.au
- Victims of Crime SA – www.voc.sa.gov.au
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au
- Rebuild Victim Counselling – www.rasa.org.au
Cybercrime Investigation Section Sergeant David Mitchell & Senior Constable Max Allison
