AUSTRALIA | Australians reported nearly AUD 260 million in losses to scams in the first nine months of 2025, with the National Anti-Scam Centre warning that online shopping scams are on the rise.
Between January and September 2025, the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service received 159,319 scam reports with financial losses of AUD 259.5 million. This represents a 16 per cent increase in losses and a 20 per cent decrease in reports compared to the same period last year.
As Australians engage with Black Friday sales, shoppers are urged to stay alert for scams disguised as genuine deals.
“Scammers love Black Friday sales too because they know shoppers are looking for bargains and they rely on creating urgency and pressure that can come with a busy shopping period,” said ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe.
“We remind consumers to take their time, check the legitimacy of websites and their offers, and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information online. A few simple checks before making a purchase can make all the difference in avoiding a scam and keeping your money safe.”
Online content, such as fake websites, advertisements, social media, and mobile apps, was the most common method used by scammers for initial contact, resulting in AUD 122 million in losses, or 47 percent of overall scam losses.
Some shopping scams involve compromising social media accounts to reach unsuspecting victims. Scammers increasingly use compromised social media accounts to target victims’ personal networks, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.
After gaining access, scammers impersonate the account holder to promote scams such as fake ticket sales, ‘fire sales’, grant offers, and investment schemes.
They further compromise friends’ accounts by requesting one-time codes under false pretences, enabling a chain of account takeovers.
"We continue to urge Australians to verify who they are communicating with online, as scammers leverage trusted relationships and social platforms to manipulate people into handing over money and personal information,” added Lowe.
“You should be aware that online friend accounts can be compromised, so avoid clicking on any links and always do your own checks before paying money. A good way to check is to contact them through another means, such as by phone or text message. This can also alert your friend so they can take prompt action to recover their account.”
The National Anti-Scam Centre also saw more people report financial loss among vulnerable communities; with a 12 percent rise for people with a disability, 35 percent for those who speak English as a second language, and 50 percent for First Nations people.
The Scamwatch website recently published resources to help people support loved ones who may be targeted by scammers, including red flags, conversation starters, and the manipulation tactics scammers use.
“We’re grateful to everyone who reports scams to Scamwatch, even if they haven’t lost money. Each report helps us build a clearer picture of scam activity and strengthens our work with other organisations to disrupt these criminal networks.”
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