Consumers warned as holiday scams surge

The National Anti-Scam Centre (run by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission [ACCC]) has warned that criminals are exploiting busy schedules and heightened spending by targeting consumers with shopping and delivery scams, fake prize and scratchie promotions, travel fraud, road toll scams, and online gambling scams, known as “scambling”.

Consumers are being urged to take care when searching for Christmas gifts and Boxing Day sales bargains online – and particularly to be on alert for fake retail sites designed to mimic well-known brands and fraudulent sellers on social media and online marketplaces.

In fact, one of the most common and costly scams this year has been online shopping scams, according to the centre, with Australians lodging 21,255 reports between January and October 2025, resulting in $9.4 million in reported losses.

Given that many gifts will be sent via post over the holidays, the National Anti-Scam Centre has also flagged that scammers sometimes issue emails or texts about missed deliveries or unpaid fees, directing people to websites created to harvest card details.

Parcel delivery scams also surged this year alongside toll scams, travel and lottery fraud, and gambling scams, which together cost consumers millions of dollars, according to Scamwatch data.

Authorities have also flagged a resurgence of “hard copy” scams, including fake scratch-off cards sent via registered post that promise prizes or discounted holidays in exchange for an upfront fee. Losses to scratchie scams alone exceeded $200,000 in the first 10 months of the year.

With many households travelling interstate, the National Anti-Scam Centre said it was also bracing for an increase in toll payment scams, where text messages or emails claim an overdue fee and direct recipients to fraudulent websites. Consumers are being advised to check toll accounts only through verified apps or official provider websites.

ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said scammers deliberately create urgency at this time of year, knowing people are distracted and keen to finalise purchases or travel plans.

“We strongly encourage people to stop, check and protect before paying for things or providing personal information,” Lowe said.

“Messages are designed to look routine or urgent because people are trying to stay organised.”

The National Anti-Scam Centre has issued the following advice for consumers this holiday season:

National Anti-Scam Centre: Holiday season checklist

• Treat unexpected messages with caution. Toll operators, courier services, and government agencies will not demand urgent payment via a text message link.

• Visit official websites or apps directly rather than clicking on links in messages.

• For interstate travel, check toll accounts only through your provider’s verified app or website.

• For parcel deliveries, use tracking numbers only on the official website of the courier you are expecting a delivery from.

• When shopping online, buy from trusted retailers and be wary of unusually low prices or limited-time social media ads.

• Be cautious of fake retail websites designed to mimic well-known brands and fraudulent sellers on online marketplaces.

• For scratchie or prize promotions, be wary of offers promising holidays, high-value prizes, or guaranteed wins.

• Check whether a promotion is run by a licensed lottery operator in your state.

• Never pay a fee to collect winnings or claim a prize – legitimate lotteries don’t ask for payment.

• If a friend or family member messages you on social media about a prize, verify with them outside the platform.

• Never share personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages.

• Use multifactor authentication on accounts and keep device software up to date.

• Only use licensed online gambling providers – check the ACMA register of approved operators.

• Independently verify charities or organisations offering financial assistance via the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission register.

• Learn and apply the Stop. Check. Protect. approach before making payments or sharing personal details.

The warnings come as lenders and industry bodies also raise concerns about rising scam activity affecting brokers and borrowers during the festive period.

An Equifax survey earlier this year found three-quarters of brokers had been impacted by scams or fraud, highlighting the growing risks across the mortgage and finance sector.

Consumers who suspect a scam are being urged to contact their bank immediately, report the incident to Scamwatch, and seek support services if needed.

Authorities also encourage Australians to share scam warnings with friends and family, warning that every report helps disrupt criminal networks and protect the broader community.

[Related: Property purchases ‘key target’ for cyber criminals]