Name: Australians warned of holiday scams as cybercrime losses hit $2B
Uploaded: 2025-12-12T06:32:13.671Z
Duration: 1 min 31 s
Description: Cybersecurity experts urge Australian shoppers to be vigilant during the holiday season, with scams and phishing emails on the rise. Reports show significant financial losses and evolving cyber threats.

Cybersecurity experts urge Australian shoppers to be vigilant during the holiday season, with scams and phishing emails on the rise. Reports show significant financial losses and evolving cyber threats.

Council of the City of Sydney

A new report from cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf highlights a surge in scams targeting Australian shoppers during the holiday season, particularly through phishing emails and unsolicited messages. Despite over 80% of purchases still being made in-store, extensive online research before buying leaves many consumers vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals, some of whom are now using artificial intelligence.

In 2024, approximately half a million Australians reported scams, resulting in total losses of around $2 billion. Experts advise shoppers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and to favor trusted Australian brands, as cost of living pressures have led to a decrease in the number of people buying gifts, though total holiday spending remains high.

Australians warned of holiday scams as cybercrime losses hit $2B

It's that time of year when there's naughty chasing nice. Definitely a lot more scams happening with unsolicited text messages, emails. It's not something I worry about. I probably should. It's peak season for scams. A new report from cyber security experts Arctic Wolf finding phishing emails are hooking many shoppers. In Australia, well over 80% of purchases are still made in store. There's a lot of digital research, you know, online research that happens before that point. And that's where a lot of Aussies can be vulnerable to scams. It's gone from various sort of young hackers doing this to sophisticated transnational groups. And of course, they're using artificial intelligence. The Christmas warning bells should really be ringing if the deal is just too good to be true or threats or requests are made for immediate payment. In 2024, around half a million Australians reported scams to various agencies. All up, stung for around $2 billion. Shoppers urged to be vigilant, but enjoy the festivities. Cost of living pressures mean only 68% of Aussie adults will buy prezzies this year. That's down 9%. But they are spending more, $12 billion all up. Make sure that you're shopping with trusted brands. Ideally, brands that are in Australia, they employ people here, and you've got someone to go to if you have a problem. Ali Donaldson, 10 News.

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