Buckle in to battle scam scourge

The story of how Australia has improved road safety over the years is a great reminder of how thoughtful changes, regulation, technology, and well-funded public education can reshape an entire sector.

“Half a century ago a high road toll was a terrible – but accepted – part of life in Australia.”

Half a century ago a high road toll was a terrible – but accepted – part of life in Australia.

Since the 1970s, we’ve seen significant advancements in road safety through better infrastructure, stricter rules and vehicle standards, and lower speed limits.

We’ve long been a leader in road safety initiatives. Victoria was the first jurisdiction in the world to require seatbelts by law, and soon after, other states followed suit. We pioneered random breath testing to reduce alcohol related accidents and fatalities. These measures have led to a remarkable decline in road deaths, even as our population and motor vehicle use have surged over the decades.

This evolution provides a valuable roadmap for addressing another pressing modern challenge: scams.

Public awareness campaigns have been instrumental in our progress in road safety by informing people about safe driving practices and the dangers of reckless behaviour.

In Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has been a leader in creating impactful campaigns that reinforce the importance of road safety. Their ads, often graphic and emotionally charged, have successfully highlighted the risks of speeding, drink driving, and distractions while behind the wheel.

By sharing real life stories, these campaigns resonated with Australians and emphasise that road safety is a shared responsibility.

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, we must also confront the rising threat of scams and cybercrimes. Just like the road safety initiatives of the past, addressing these emerging issues requires a comprehensive and a whole of community strategy, including legislative measures, technological advancements, and widespread public education.

Scams are a growing societal problem that affect hundreds of thousands of Australians every year. In 2023 alone, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reported over 600,000 scam cases, costing victims around $2.7 billion. Beyond the financial toll, the emotional impact is staggering. Victims often feel isolated, ashamed, and betrayed, leading to a significant erosion of trust in society.

Australia is stepping up to tackle the increasing threat of scams with the Scams Prevention Framework legislation.

This legislation will introduce mandatory requirements for banks, telecommunication providers, and digital platforms to deliver strong protections for Australians from scams.

This reflects a national recognition of the need for a collaborative approach to address the risks we face in the digital age, much like the efforts that led to improvements in road safety.

This development highlights Australia’s proactive stance in addressing modern risks associated with the digital landscape.

By recognising the importance of a comprehensive strategy that combines legislation, public education, technology, data and intelligence sharing, Australia is setting a new global standard to disrupt criminal networks.

ANZ supports the Australian government’s whole-of-ecosystem approach to tackling scams and setting high standards for all parties that should play a role in scam prevention and disruption. We in the broader community also have a role to play; just as we buckle up in cars, we must stay vigilant and safe online. By learning from the successes of the past and applying those lessons to our digital lives, we can create a safer future for generations to come.

By embracing a community-wide strategy, Australia can lead the charge against scams and encourage the community to navigate the digital world with more confidence.

Shaq Johnson is Head of Customer Protection with ANZ

This article originally appeared in the Herald Sun on February 20, 2025