Key takeaways
With a victimisation rate of 3.51%, the unemployed are over 2.5 times more likely to be victims of identity fraud than full-time workers.
Australians with disabilities or restrictive conditions face a 1.81% risk, almost double the rate of non-disabled individuals.
Employment status is the strongest predictor of risk, suggesting scammers deliberately prey on those already under financial or emotional stress.
When most people think of identity theft, they imagine vulnerable seniors being tricked over the phone or tech-savvy scammers preying on the young.
But the reality is very different, and far more unsettling.
A new study has revealed that the group most likely to be victims of identity fraud in Australia isn’t the elderly or the inexperienced, but the unemployed.
This finding alone should make all of us stop and think: why is it that those already facing financial stress are the ones most heavily targeted?
The shocking numbers
Global identity and fraud intelligence leader GBG examined ABS data to uncover which demographics in Australia are most vulnerable to scammers.
The results are eye-opening:
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Unemployed Australians topped the list, with a 3.51% victimisation rate. That’s more than 2.5 times higher than full-time workers (1.33%) and three times the rate of part-timers (1.10%).
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People living with a disability recorded the second-highest risk at 1.81%, nearly double the rate for those without a disability (0.93%).
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Middle-aged Australians (45–54 years) also appeared disproportionately vulnerable, with a victimisation rate of 1.57%.
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Surprisingly, those with higher education – bachelor’s and postgraduate degree holders – were more likely to be targeted than those without qualifications.
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Men were also more exposed than women, with a 30% higher risk.
Meanwhile, younger Australians (15–24 years) and those over 65 were among the least affected groups, contradicting the common belief that seniors are the easiest prey for fraudsters.
Why the unemployed are prime targets
It’s no coincidence that unemployed Australians stand out as the most vulnerable.
Fraudsters are opportunists. They know that those struggling financially may be more desperate to respond to offers of financial “help” or may be applying for more jobs online, increasing exposure to scams.
Unemployment also often comes with heightened stress, and scammers exploit that distraction.
When your mind is preoccupied with bills, job applications, and family pressure, you may be less likely to notice red flags.
Busting some myths about fraud
One of the most striking elements of the study is how it challenges long-held assumptions:
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It’s not just the elderly – middle-aged Australians are actually the most at risk.
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Education isn’t a shield – higher qualifications don’t reduce vulnerability. If anything, they may put people in more databases and online systems that scammers can exploit.
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Being out of the workforce isn’t always risky – those not working but also not unemployed (e.g., retirees or homemakers) have lower victimisation rates than people actively job-hunting.
This paints a very different picture from the stereotypes we often hear.
What can we learn from this?
Identity fraud is much more than just an inconvenience; it can ruin people financially, emotionally, and even professionally.
And the fact that it disproportionately affects those already doing it tough makes it even more destructive.
For individuals, this research is a reminder to:
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Be sceptical of unsolicited calls, texts, and emails – especially those offering financial assistance.
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Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
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Regularly check credit reports for unusual activity.
For policymakers and financial institutions, it suggests that more targeted support should be directed to those at greatest risk: the unemployed, people with disabilities, and middle-aged Australians.
These groups need not just education but also stronger safety nets to prevent scammers from striking.
Final thoughts
Fraudsters will always look for the weakest link, and right now, that appears to be Australians already facing financial and personal hardship.
This research is more than just a set of statistics; it’s a warning that identity theft isn’t random.
It’s strategic, and it disproportionately hurts those who can least afford it.
And that means as a society, we need to be equally strategic in protecting them.
