Mandurah revealed as WA's most scammed postcode

Friday, 27 September 2024 10:20

By Monique Welhan

PIC: File

Mandurah has been revealed as Western Australia's most scammed postcode.

New data from Westpac shows people living in the 6210 postcode are being scammed the most out of any other postcode in the state.

The top scam types driving the largest losses are investment scams, business email compromise scams, remote access scams, romance scams and impersonation scams.

Westpac’s Head of Fraud Prevention Ben Young said high growth locations and older customers are often targeted.

“We’re finding scammers are having the biggest impact in communities with increasing economic activity, or those with ageing populations,” Mr Young said.

Armadale came in at second on the scam hotspot list followed by Hamilton Hill, Landsdale, Geraldton, Rockingham, Midland, Gosnells, Canning Vale and South Bunbury.

“Scammers aren’t necessarily out there stalking the streets of these postcodes. They’re constantly evolving the way they target people, with many scams originating online or on social media platforms,” Mr Young said.

"This includes investment scams which account for around fifty per cent of all losses, as well as various buying and selling scams which evolve with the latest trends. These scams need to be shut down at the source."

Locals are being advised to never give out personal or financial information to anyone they don't know or trust, don't click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages and don't send money or gift cards to someone they have never met in person.

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