Australia Considers Automatic Reimbursement for Scams Under $3,000

Australian officials are examining a proposal that would require banks, telecommunications companies and digital platforms to automatically reimburse victims of scams involving losses of $3,000 or less. The plan forms part of a broader scam-protection framework under consideration by the government.

Officials said automatic repayment would apply when victims can verify that a scam occurred. Larger scams, including some investment and romance schemes that reach six figures, would continue to be handled through existing dispute-resolution processes.

A separate report by the ombudsman found that complaints about hardship lodged with the tax office more than doubled over the past 12 months. Officials stated that taxpayer funds are not used for private business activities and that existing arrangements cover legitimate work expenses.

The government is also considering whether messaging services such as WhatsApp should be included in a planned ban on social media for users under 16. No final decisions on the scam-reimbursement rules or the social-media age limits have been announced.