Media Release

Monday, March 2 2009

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman supports National Consumer Fraud Week

Download the complete release in PDF (1pg/65 KB)

One in 20 Australians fall victim to frauds or scams, which can often lead to the loss of substantial amounts of money or assets.

According to the Australian Consumer Fraud Taskforce, you can reduce your chance of falling victim to fraud by increasing your awareness of scams and learning how to protect yourself against them.

The taskforce, an initiative of state, territory and Australian and New Zealand governments, today launched National Consumer Fraud Week.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman is one of 37 community partners participating in the initiative. A complete list of partners is available at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

“Most people know someone who has been scammed or lost money to fraud,” said Peter Kell, Chair of the Taskforce and Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. “We think that it won’t happen to us, but anyone can be the target of a scam.”

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman Deirdre O’Donnell said informative, well-targeted campaigns such as National Consumer Fraud Week helped to ensure that fewer consumers and small businesses lost money to fraudulent activity.

“As technology becomes more sophisticated, more people are falling victim to frauds through the phone or over the internet.

“Although the TIO is not a regulatory body and cannot prosecute people who perpetrate fraud, we do our utmost to cooperate with governments and regulators in their efforts to reduce the impact on members of the Australian community.”

Further information about National Consumer Fraud Week and information about how you can protect yourself from scams is available at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

TIO Public Affairs: 03 8600 8738 or 0403 601 532.

To subscribe to our mailing list and receive media release email alerts please click here.