Australian regulators warn of holiday scam surge as online shopping fraud tops $9.4 million in losses

Australian regulators are warning of a significant increase in scam activity during the Christmas and New Year period, with online shopping fraud already accounting for $9.4 million in losses between January and October 2025. The National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), operated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), reports that shopping scams have become the most financially damaging category, affecting consumers, insurers, and financial institutions nationwide as digital fraud and identity crime continue to escalate.

Background and Context

According to Scamwatch data, fraud reports have increased 16% in financial losses during the first nine months of 2025 compared to the previous year, despite 20% fewer reports overall, suggesting scams are becoming more sophisticated and profitable. Digital content—including fake websites, online advertisements, and social media posts—accounts for approximately 47% of all losses, totalling $122 million. The holiday season typically exacerbates these trends as scammers exploit increased transaction volumes and consumer distraction, particularly around major retail events like Black Friday sales.

Key Figures and Entities

The NASC, led by ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe, coordinates Australia's national response to scams and fraud. The centre's reporting arm, Scamwatch, received 21,255 online shopping scam reports and 5,690 parcel delivery scam reports between January and October 2025. "Scammers know that people are busy, distracted, and spending more money at this time of year," Lowe said in a public statement. "They use messages that look routine or urgent because they know people are trying to stay organised." The Australian Communications and Media Authority maintains the official register of licensed interactive gambling providers, which regulators use to identify illegal gambling operations.

Legal and Financial Mechanisms

Scammers employ multiple channels to reach victims, with digital content remaining the primary vector. Fraudulent operations include parcel delivery scams targeting holiday shoppers, toll scams exploiting increased travel, and unlicensed gambling platforms sometimes referred to as "scambling." In a growing trend, criminals compromise social media accounts to impersonate trusted contacts and promote fake ticket sales or investment opportunities. According to NASC data, gambling scams alone caused approximately $2 million in losses, while false billing scams generated $19.4 million across 11,602 reports in 2025. Legal gambling providers must appear on the ACMA's register, with unlisted operators operating unlawfully in Australia.

International Implications and Policy Response

The surge in holiday scams highlights broader regulatory challenges in controlling cross-border digital fraud. Insurance sector representatives note increased exposure to claims connected with identity theft and unauthorized transactions, raising questions about coverage clarity for financial losses arising from scams. The NASC has implemented a "Stop. Check. Protect." framework to guide public response, urging consumers to verify organisations through official channels and report suspicious activity. Regulators report particular vulnerability among people with disabilities, those with English as a second language, and First Nations communities, indicating a need for targeted protection measures as scam operations become increasingly sophisticated.

Sources

This report draws on Australian Competition and Consumer Commission statements, Scamwatch data from January to October 2025, and public advisories from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. All financial figures and scam statistics are drawn from official government reporting platforms.