Types of Scams

1. Delivery Scams – Recently, delivery scams have circulated asking customers to pay a fee in order to receive a parcel. With many parcels being ordered and delivered around Christmas, beware of emails, phone calls and text messages asking for money in exchange of goods.

2. Social Media – Social media is a new way for scammers to prey on shoppers. Especially at this time of year, ‘Free-offers’ and surveys in exchange for goods can be scammers trying to attain personal information and bank details.

3. Accommodation/ Flight Scams – Scammers know that Christmas is a time where many people are booking travel and holidays. Scammers may use ‘too good to be true’ offers to steal your money or acquire your bank details. 

4. Fake Charities – Sadly scammers also pose as charities to obtain money from those giving to generous causes at Christmas. Give generously this Christmas but remember to beware and check their authentication!

5. Online Shopping  – Online shopping scams are at their most dangerous around Christmas with an influx of shoppers using e-commerce stores and spending more money than usual. Be vigilant.

6.  E-card Scams – It is common for friends, family and colleagues to send e-cards over the Christmas period. Scammers use this idea to target victims with dangerous links and infect your systems with malware.

7. On your door – Traditional door to door scammers are also on the lookout at Christmas to sell cheap and poor quality products at an inflated rate.

8. Over the Phone – Be cautious of anyone calling you from a business you have not heard of or a business who does not normally contact you via phone. Scammers can pose as businesses, charities and government agencies to attain your personal and financial details this Christmas.

9. Phishing Scams – As many companies and businesses are in marketing overdrive over the Christmas period, scammers utilise this time to trick you into giving out personal information both private and financial via email, phone, text or face to face.

10. Tech-based Scams – Scammers use all types of technology to scam consumers at Christmas.  Consumers are more vulnerable then ever with the influx of money spent, increase in shoppers online. Be careful with the hightened excitement and impulsive rushed clicking and spending this Christmas.

We have 12 Tips below to keep you safe and avoid such Scams this Christmas! 

  • Do not give money online to an unsecure site or an unknown source
  • Do not give or verify your personal or bank details to someone you do not know
  • Always ask for identification and ensure the business or service is legitimate
  • Do your own research by calling the business via their official phone number.
  • Don’t click on suspicious links
  • Do delete suspicious emails, e-cards, apps, downloads.
  • Do hang up on suspicious calls
  •  If you are unsure of the charities authenticity, hang up and call the charity directly
  • Be cautious of anyone asking for a high level of personal information.
  • Be cautious if you are contacted out of the blue by a company
  • Check the email address, subject title and email content for spelling errors
  • Ensure your devices are up to date with the latest anti-virus and firewalls.

Finally, if you believe you have been scammed or witnessed a scam,
contact the ACCC immediately! 
Report Here

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