CANBERRA - Australians lost millions of dollars in 2009 to online fraudsters, China's Xinhua news agency reported, citing a new report released on Monday by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The report revealed that about 20,000 people became victims of fraud in 2009, losing A$70 million (US$62.8 million) through scams that targeted their "emotional decision making."

"This figure is likely to be the tip of the iceberg, given people can be embarrassed about reporting that they have fallen victim to scams and lost money in the process," Peter Kell, deputy chair of the ACCC said in a statement which was carried by Bernama today.

The real figure is probably closer to A$1 billion (US$900 million) if based on calculations by Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates on annual fraud losses.

Mass-marketed advance fee

Scam complaints tend to peak mid-year with online scams increasing in popularity, the report said. About 54 percent of scams involved a "mass-marketed advance fee" where consumers pay costs up front for a product that is never supplied.

In one scam last year, pedigree puppies were sold and consumers paid for transportation costs. The puppy was never delivered and the seller disappeared online.

Other scams have involved fake donation websites for the Victorian bushfires and sites that convince consumers to reveal personal information to claim unexpected prizes.

"Regardless of age, gender, education or income level, any consumer can be scammed," the report noted.

"Everyone is vulnerable."