Law Week 2022 helping to protect the community from scams

This week the legal sector will shine a light on the importance of our legal system as part of a national event helping Queenslanders be aware of their rights and helping protect against scams.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said the annual Law Week (16-23 May) offered a chance to provide an educational look at the justice system and offer specific advice.

“Scams are in the spotlight this year for national Law Week,” the Attorney said.

“This year the theme for Queensland’s Law Week is ‘Spotlight on scams’, and we’re placing an emphasis on how Queenslanders can protect themselves against sophisticated scams and fraud, and learn about the most common cons doing the rounds.

“It’s not only consumers being targeted, with scammers preying on the goodwill of communities trying to provide disaster recovery assistance and funds to charities after our recent flooding events.

“No one is immune – it’s easy to fall for a scam, no matter your age, background or location, which is why it’s important to highlight the warning signs and the services available to report and deal with these issues.”

“This week also provides us the opportunity to raise awareness of the Queensland legal system and for members of the community to learn about the range of legal services available to provide assistance when in need.”

In 2020, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission found that Queenslanders had the highest average reported loss to scams with the average loss just over $8,300, and a total reported loss of $32.1 million, with the frequency of certain scams rising through the pandemic.

The Attorney-General highlighted that in certain situations Queenslanders were protected under criminal and consumer laws in these challenging circumstances.

“Our laws can help protect people, but everyone can help ensure that scammers are stopped in their tracks before they can do any damage,” she said.

“Consumers and members of the public are encouraged to seek advice and make an official complaint to the Office of Fair Trading if they’ve been personally affected by a scam.

“Scams don’t always come from within Australia, and that can make stopping them harder, which is why we are emphasising how Queenslanders can protect themselves from falling victim.”

Ms Fentiman said it was important that members of the public were aware of their rights in the justice system, including their consumer rights.

“Importantly the Queensland justice and legal sectors provide so much more to the community than just court services, something we always hope to showcase,” she said.

“Law Week gives the public, and students looking at a career in the legal profession, a look at how the law and courts operate and I encourage everyone to check out the services and advice available from the legal sector.

Further information about Queensland Law Week and protecting yourself from scams can be found at www.qld.gov.au/law/law-week.

ENDS

Media contact:        Inga Williams             0439 949 719