Figures released by the Australian Institute of Criminology show the risk of being a victim of consumer fraud is much lower for older Australians than it is for the population as a whole. Those aged 65 years and over are less than half as likely to be victims of consumer fraud compared to people aged 16 to 64. Data from the Australian Crime Victims Survey found that nine per cent of persons aged 16 to 64 were the victims of consumer fraud compared to four per cent of people aged over 65. The report "Older People and Consumer Fraud" discusses the prevalence of consumer fraud in the community, in particular among older Australians. The report also considers possible prevention strategies for consumer fraud such as public awareness campaigns and legislation.
Victims of consumer fraud per 100 persons, by age group, 1999 [see attached PDF for graph]
Source
- Muscat, G., James, M. & Graycar, A. 2002, "Older People and Consumer Fraud", Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice, no. 220, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra.