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It’s anti-scam week!

Increased risk of scams due to the global financial crisis is being highlighted in National Consumer Fraud Week, which began today.

Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce Chairman Peter Kell is warning that one in 20 Australians will fall victim to a scam this year.

The insurance industry is particularly susceptible to fraud over claims, with ICA President Terry Towell warning last year that insurance fraud always rises when the economy turns down.

Mr Kell – a Deputy Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – says the commission has seen a 60% rise in the number of complaints about scams, with a 67% increase in people reporting money lost.