12 scams of Christmas to avoid
06 December 2024
5
min read
Christmas can be a high-risk time for financial scams. Here are 12 common scams to watch out for this festive season.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre says more than 87,400 cybercrime reports were made in the 2023-24 financial year. This was down 7% from the previous financial year1.
The top 3 cybercrimes reported were:
- Identity fraud (26%)
- Online shopping fraud (15%)
- Online banking fraud (12%)
Cyber security specialists Cultural Cyber Security say financial scams typically rise during the festive season. Here are their top 12 scams to be ready for.2
Be alert to these 12 Christmas scams
Look out for Christmas e-cards or social posts encouraging you to click on a link to a fun graphic or video. Clicking or activating these links have the potential to download malware into your device.
Romance fraudsters often post fake profiles and once they have established a relationship of trust, attempt to defraud people of money.
When surfing the internet for Christmas presents, be aware of fake websites. Signs to look for include:
- minimal information about delivery, returns or contact details
- extremely discounted prices
- incorrect URL’s – always access websites via an independent search rather than links in emails
4. Parcel delivery scams
Show content
Be wary of phone calls, emails and SMS messages from parcel delivery agents. Don’t click through the links.
5. Fake classified ads and online sellers
Show content
Online marketplaces and classified sites can be a way for scammers to target potential victims, posing either as buyers or sellers. Use caution.
Beware of anyone who wants you to set up a PayPal account so they can pay you. Only give over your item when you are confident the buyer is legitimate. Never send your driver’s licence to someone you don’t know.
At Christmas, scammers can target popular accommodation booking sites promising heavily discounted travel deals.
Scamwatch reported an increase in puppy scams almost 5 times above the average in 2024. Don’t fall for the cute pictures and cheap prices for a non-existent puppy this Christmas.
Cyber criminals can pretend to be from a trusted organisation, government or service provider. Be wary of threatening robocalls or email phishing scams.
10. Fake charities or fundraisers
Show content
Be on the lookout for scammers pretending to be an online charity. Scammers may also set up fake websites or crowdfunding appeals to get your money.
11. Texts – malicious links
Show content
Be aware of unsolicited text messages containing an embedded link. These are often confusing and unclear messages that may refer to an undelivered parcel or missed call.
Always be very sceptical of unsolicited communications offering free gift cards or coupons online, including on social media.
How we keep your super safe
Keeping your super safe is our priority. We have security in place to protect your super account and protect you against identity fraud. We’ll never ask you for the login details for your super account.
Learn more
1. Australian Signals Directorate, Annual Cyber Threat Report 2023-2024, at cyber.gov.au, accessed 25 November 2024
2. Cultural Cyber Security, at culturalcybersecurity.com