In the first nine months of 2025, Australians reported losses of nearly $260 million to scams, with the National Anti-Scam Centre highlighting a concerning rise in online shopping scams. The Scamwatch service received 159,319 reports, marking a 16% increase in financial losses compared to the previous year.

As Black Friday approaches, shoppers are cautioned to be wary of scams that mimic legitimate deals. Shopping scams accounted for the highest number of reports, with 9,628 cases leading to $8.6 million in losses, a 19% increase from 2024.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of websites and offers, advising consumers to take their time and protect their personal information. Scammers often exploit the urgency of sales events to pressure consumers into making hasty decisions.

Online platforms, including fake websites and social media, were the primary channels for scammers, resulting in $122 million in losses. Scammers are increasingly using compromised social media accounts to reach victims, promoting fraudulent sales and investment schemes.

The report also highlighted a rise in scam reports among vulnerable communities, with significant increases noted for individuals with disabilities and First Nations people. The National Anti-Scam Centre encourages open conversations about scams to help individuals feel supported and understood.

Investment scams led to the highest overall losses, totaling $128.4 million, although reports of these scams decreased from the previous year. Other scam categories, such as rebate and false billing scams, also saw notable declines in reports.

To combat scams, the National Anti-Scam Centre advises consumers to follow a three-step approach: Stop, Check, and Protect. This includes taking time before sharing personal information, verifying the authenticity of requests, and acting quickly if something seems suspicious.