Scammers are targeting Australians in every corner of the country, with Westpac revealing the postcodes that reported the highest number of scams over the past year.
Data from customer reports shows scams are hitting high-density and fast-growing areas hardest, with Sydney’s CBD (postcode 2000) topping the national list. Other suburbs heavily affected include Liverpool in Western Sydney, and Tarneit, Werribee, and Craigieburn in Melbourne.
Ben Young, Westpac’s Head of Fraud Prevention, said this was the second time the bank had highlighted the country’s scam hotspots.
“From fake investments to online deals, scammers are constantly adapting and using emotional triggers to exploit Australians.”
Top postcodes by reported scams:
- Australia-wide: 2000 (Sydney, NSW), 2170 (Liverpool, NSW), 3029 (Tarneit, VIC), 3030 (Werribee, VIC), 3064 (Craigieburn, VIC)
- NSW: 2000 (Sydney), 2170 (Liverpool), 2250 (Gosford), 2560 (Campbelltown), 2145 (Greystanes)
- VIC: 3029 (Tarneit), 3030 (Werribee), 3064 (Craigieburn), 3000 (Melbourne), 3977 (Cranbourne)
- QLD: 4870 (Cairns), 4670 (Bundaberg), 4350 (Toowoomba), 4211 (Nerang), 4510 (Caboolture)
- WA: 6112 (Armadale), 6210 (Mandurah), 6065 (Landsdale), 6110 (Gosnells), 6155 (Canning Vale)
- SA: 5162 (Morphett Vale), 5108 (Salisbury), 5118 (Gawler), 5253 (Murray Bridge), 5169 (Seaford)
- ACT: 2615 (MacGregor), 2617 (Belconnen), 2614 (Macquarie), 2914 (Harrison), 2913 (Ngunnawal)
While larger states naturally report more scams, Western Australia and Queensland have the highest rates relative to population.
“Millions of dollars in scam attempts are stopped every month, but collaboration with telcos and digital platforms is key to tackling this problem at its source,” Young said.
“If something feels off, take a moment to check before you click, pay, or share your details—those few seconds could save thousands of dollars.”
The data shows a noticeable rise in scam activity in inner-city postcodes, particularly Sydney and Melbourne, driven partly by business email compromise and invoice scams targeting companies.
Despite an overall decline in financial losses from scams, investment scams, business email compromise, impersonation, romance, and threat & penalty scams remain the most damaging.
Tips to protect yourself from scams:
- Never give personal or financial information to strangers.
- Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unsolicited messages.
- Verify sellers’ reputations before online purchases.
- Always check invoice payment details via trusted contacts.
- Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Never send money or gift cards to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Ask friends or family if unsure about a request.
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