The National Anti-Scam Centre is urging Australians to remain vigilant as criminals look to cash in on the holiday season. Scammers are expected to target consumers who are busy, distracted and spending more money than usual during the December period.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said criminals use routine or urgent messages because they know people are trying to stay organised. Lowe noted that while shoppers hurry to get last-minute gifts delivered or holidays booked, it is vital to slow down and stay alert to potential red flags.

Common Holiday Scams

Criminals typically focus on the following areas during the festive peak:

  • Shopping: Fake websites and social media accounts pretending to be well-known brands or fraudulent sellers on online marketplaces.
  • Deliveries: Phishing emails and texts regarding missed deliveries, ‘unpaid fees’ or redirected parcels.
  • Travel and Prizes: Physical ‘scratchie’ cards or travel giveaway promotions sent to letterboxes, often requiring a fee to ‘claim’ a prize.
  • Road Tolls: Fake invoices for tolls sent via SMS with urgent payment links.
  • Gambling: Unlicensed or fake betting sites that refuse to pay out winnings.

Holiday Safety Checklist

To stay safe, the ACCC recommends following a ‘Stop, Check, Protect’ approach:

  • Tolls: Real providers do not demand urgent payment through text links. Verify any outstanding amounts directly through an official app or website.
  • Deliveries: Only use tracking numbers via the courier’s official website. Never click links in unsolicited delivery texts.
  • Online Shopping: Buy from trusted retailers and be sceptical of unusually low prices or limited-time social media offers.
  • Mail Promotions: Be wary of high-value prizes or ‘guaranteed’ wins. Legitimate lotteries will never ask for a fee to collect a prize.
  • Gambling: Check the ACMA register to ensure a provider is licensed to operate in Australia. If it is not on the list, it is an illegal operation.

Lowe encouraged Australians to share these warnings with friends and family to help protect the community from financial loss during what should be a celebratory time of year.

Link: Keep this festive season stress free with scam safety checks – ACCC

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