Residents across the Hunter and Central Coast are being urged to stop and think before clicking a link, answering an unexpected message or transferring money, as increasingly sophisticated scammers target people through fake websites, social media and impersonation scams.
With cybercrime now estimated to be the third-largest economy in the world, criminals are becoming increasingly skilled at making scams look legitimate and people across the Hunter and Central Coast are paying the price.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, NSW Police and industry experts are today urging residents, particularly seniors, to be alert to the warning signs and to speak up if they have been targeted.
The warning comes as more than 170 people attend the Swansea Seniors Forum, where NSW Police and industry experts are helping locals identify scams, protect their personal information and know what to do if they become a victim.
NSW residents reported almost 28,000 scams and $56.7 million in losses to Scamwatch in the first half of 2026 alone. NSW accounts for around one third of all scam reports and losses nationally.
Scammers are increasingly using digital channels to impersonate trusted brands, government agencies and businesses, creating convincing communications designed to trick people into handing over money or personal information.
Last year, ID Support NSW provided advice and guidance to more than 75,000 customers whose personal information or identity documents had been compromised or misused.
NSW Fair Trading is also working with consumers and industry to tackle scams in the property sector, including cases where criminals impersonate solicitors, conveyancers or real estate agents and convince victims to transfer money into fraudulent accounts.
Today’s Swansea Seniors Forum brought together 20 stallholders, including Service NSW, Seniors Rights Service, Carers NSW, NSW Fair Trading, NSW Police, Doyalson Fire and Rescue and local community organisations.
Community members will also hear from experts about aged care rights, rebates available through the Service NSW Savings Finder, support from the Energy and Water Ombudsman, preparing a will and estate, and keeping their homes fire safe.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
“This is an issue my community tells me about regularly. 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.
“As a Government, we need to help people keep up with the risks that come with rapidly changing technology. That means getting out into communities, having conversations face-to-face and making sure people have practical tools to be safe online.
“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.
“Today’s Seniors Forum is about giving people a chance to ask questions and get practical advice from the people and organisations that can help.”
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies said:
“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are using technology to target people in their homes, often impersonating trusted organisations, government agencies and financial institutions. We want our community, especially older residents, to know the warning signs and feel confident taking steps to protect themselves.
“The NSW Police Force continues to encourage people to be cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls, emails or text messages. Taking a moment to independently verify who you’re dealing with before providing personal information or making a payment can help prevent significant financial and emotional harm.
“Our message is simple: stop, think and verify. 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.”
