The ACCC’s Scamwatch service received 159,319 scam reports, resulting in financial losses of $259.5 million between January and September this year. Photo: File.
Australians reported almost $260 million in losses from scams in the first nine months of this year, according to new government figures released today.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning online shoppers to be wary of the rising incidence of scams, particularly during the current retail sales season.
The ACCC’s National Anti-Scam Centre has released data showing that between January and September 2025, the centre’s Scamwatch service received 159,319 scam reports, resulting in financial losses of $259.5 million.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the figures represent a 16 per cent increase in losses and a 20 per cent decrease in reports compared to the same period last year.
She urged shoppers to stay alert for scams disguised as genuine deals while engaging with Black Friday sales.
“Scammers love Black Friday sales too because they know shoppers are looking for bargains and they rely on creating urgency and pressure that can come with a busy shopping period,” Ms Lowe said.
“We remind consumers to take their time, check the legitimacy of websites and its offers, and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information online.
“A few simple checks before making a purchase can make all the difference in avoiding a scam and keeping your money safe.”
Shopping scams were the most reported scam type involving financial loss so far this year, with 9628 of the total 19,662 reports received resulting in $8.6 million in losses.
That represents a 19 per cent increase in reported losses from the same period in 2024.
Online content, such as fake websites, advertisements, social media and mobile apps, was the most common method used by scammers for initial contact, resulting in $122 million in losses, or 47 per cent of overall scam losses.
Some shopping scams involve compromising social media accounts to reach unsuspecting victims. Scammers increasingly use compromised social media accounts to target victims’ personal networks, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.
After gaining access, scammers impersonate the account holder to promote scams such as fake ticket sales, ‘fire sales’, grant offers, and investment schemes.
They further compromise friends’ accounts by requesting one-time codes under false pretences, enabling a chain of account takeovers.
“We continue to urge Australians to verify who they are communicating with online, as scammers leverage trusted relationships and social platforms to manipulate people into handing over money and personal information,” Ms Lowe said.
“You should be aware that online friend accounts can be compromised, so avoid clicking on any links and always do your own checks before paying money.
“A good way to check is to contact them through another means, such as by phone or text message. This can also alert your friend so they can take prompt action to recover their account.”
The National Anti-Scam Centre is also seeing more people report financial loss among vulnerable communities, with a 12 per cent rise for people with a disability, 35 per cent for those who speak English as a second language, and 50 per cent for First Nations people.
The ACCC figures come as the Australian Taxation Office issues its own warning to avoid an emerging tax scheme involving barter credits, a type of alternative currency used in some business networks.
A tax scheme that involves artificially inflating deductions for donations of barter credits to deductible gift recipients (DGRs) is on the rise.
The ATO says while it may seem enticing, promoters and taxpayers could face potentially significant consequences if they are involved.
ATO deputy commissioner Erin Dale said the ATO is putting the promoters and participants of such schemes on notice.
“While it’s not unlawful for DGRs to accept barter credits as donations, participating in arrangements where deductions for barter credits are artificially inflated could be fraud and may result in an investigation by the ATO,” Ms Dale said.
The ATO is concerned that such schemes are enabled by several barter exchanges that allow participants to access barter credits with a nominal face value that is far greater than any payments actually made to the exchange.
For example, someone might pay the barter exchange a small cash sum to access barter credits that are larger than their actual value.
Participants then donate these barter credits to a DGR and claim a larger tax deduction than they’re entitled to.
Those involved may have to repay the tax, plus face heavy penalties, interest and potential legal action.
Ms Dale said that, as well as taking money away from the community, this scheme is undermining public trust in not-for-profits with DGR status.
The DGRs receiving these donations may not be aware they’re involved in a tax scheme.
Under the promoter penalty laws, the ATO can impose heavy civil penalties on anyone promoting unlawful tax schemes.
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
