Save
Older Aussies at the mercy of cyber criminals: Top 5 cyber crimes revealed
Save
Older Aussies at the mercy of cyber criminals: Top 5 cyber crimes revealed
As consumers shift from their usual grocery runs to online shopping, a growing number of older Australians are falling victim to cyber crime, an industry expert has warned.
Older Aussies at the mercy of cyber criminals: Top 5 cyber crimes revealed
As consumers shift from their usual grocery runs to online shopping, a growing number of older Australians are falling victim to cyber crime, an industry expert has warned.
Stats released by the ACCC’s Scamwatch showed that money lost to all types of scams rose to $18.7 million, up 20.2 per cent from the $15.6 million lost to scammers in October.
The ACCC’s report showed that Australia’s older population were the target of much of the cyber crimes, with 78 per cent of the money lost belonging to those aged 55 or above.
Proofpoint ANZ area vice-president Crispin Kerr pointed out that holidays and major events unfortunately provide an opportunity for scammers to capitalise on vulnerable members of society.
“Statistics about the older generation being targeted are always disheartening to see. Our advice this Christmas would be to employ the same level of scepticism and awareness online that you would in any real-life business transaction,” Mr Kerr said.
“With phishing returning to the number one spot as the most reported type of scam, people should continue to be wary of all unsolicited communications, especially those asking for sensitive information, and remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Top 5 cyber crimes
In order to help protect vulnerable Australians from cyber crime, Jacqueline Jayne, security awareness advocate at KnowBe4 has compiled the top five most prevalent scams at Christmas, along with tips on how to avoid them.
Charity tricksters
Mr Jayne pointed out the holidays are traditionally the time for generosity and giving. It’s also the time that the cyber criminals try to trick money out of people that mean well.
TIP: Donate to charities you already know via their official website OR you call them directly.
Discounted vouchers or gift cards
She also advised consumers to be weary of the popular holiday scam of big discounts on gift cards. Don’t fall for offers from retailers or social media posts that offer phony vouchers or gift cards paired with special promotions or contests.
TIP: Only shop (online or in-store) at official or reputable places.
Fake mobile apps
Apps can sometimes bypass controls built in by the app store. Be wary of apps from unknown developers or those with limited/bad reviews.
TIP: Only use apps you know and trust and do your research before downloading a new app.
Bogus shipping or delivery
You are going to see an increase of emails and SMS notifications from Australia Post, DHL, FedEx etc and stores such as Amazon, Catch, eBay, Myer etc. Some of these will be fake and will ask you to click on a link or enter personal details to “fix the delivery issue” or “confirm the delivery address” etc.
TIP: Only refer to official sites to confirm or track deliveries. If in doubt, call them!
Amazing deals
Remember that when a “special offer” sounds too good to be true, it usually is. There will be an increase of fake ads over the holiday season such as “Last one”, “FREE for the next 5 subscribers” and “Only 4 left in stock”.
TIP: Never click on links in emails or pop-up ads on websites or social media pages with very deep discounts or seemingly incredible offers.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Scams
Trend Micro forecasts a new era of AI-driven scams by 2026
In a comprehensive report released today, cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated warns that 2026 will mark a significant turning point in the evolution of scams, driven by artificial ...Read more
Scams
Australians urged to stay vigilant as holiday scammers ramp up activity
As the festive season approaches, Australians are being warned to be on high alert for a surge in scam activities. With the increase in online shopping, travel bookings, and holiday preparations, ...Read more
Scams
Scam alert: Trend Micro warns Aussies to be vigilant as Black Friday approaches
As Australians prepare to dive into Black Friday shopping, cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has issued a stark warning about a surge in scam activities targeting eager consumers. According to a recent ...Read more
Scams
Economic stress leaves Australians vulnerable to job and financial scams
As Australians brace for the holiday season, a significant increase in job and financial scams is raising alarms. New findings from global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated reveal that ...Read more
Scams
AI-driven investment scams explode: Millions of fraudulent sites blocked, billions lost
In an alarming trend that has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts worldwide, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment scams has surged dramatically. Between March and October ...Read more
Scams
From awareness to accountability: Banks turn scam prevention into a core P&L discipline
Scam Awareness Week is the headline, but the real story is a structural shift: fraud prevention is moving from compliance footnote to board-level performance driver. ANZ’s 15% reduction in scam losses ...Read more
Scams
Inside ANZ’s $100m scam‑fight playbook: how banks can turn awareness into prevention
Public-service messaging won’t stop modern scammers. Australia’s banks are moving from posters to prevention, blending AI, network controls and customer friction to change outcomes. ANZ’s program ...Read more
Scams
ANZ warns Australians to stay alert for scams during end of financial year
ANZ is warning customers to remain vigilant during the end of financial year period as scammers attempt to target Australians during tax time. Read more
Scams
Trend Micro forecasts a new era of AI-driven scams by 2026
In a comprehensive report released today, cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated warns that 2026 will mark a significant turning point in the evolution of scams, driven by artificial ...Read more
Scams
Australians urged to stay vigilant as holiday scammers ramp up activity
As the festive season approaches, Australians are being warned to be on high alert for a surge in scam activities. With the increase in online shopping, travel bookings, and holiday preparations, ...Read more
Scams
Scam alert: Trend Micro warns Aussies to be vigilant as Black Friday approaches
As Australians prepare to dive into Black Friday shopping, cybersecurity firm Trend Micro has issued a stark warning about a surge in scam activities targeting eager consumers. According to a recent ...Read more
Scams
Economic stress leaves Australians vulnerable to job and financial scams
As Australians brace for the holiday season, a significant increase in job and financial scams is raising alarms. New findings from global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated reveal that ...Read more
Scams
AI-driven investment scams explode: Millions of fraudulent sites blocked, billions lost
In an alarming trend that has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts worldwide, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment scams has surged dramatically. Between March and October ...Read more
Scams
From awareness to accountability: Banks turn scam prevention into a core P&L discipline
Scam Awareness Week is the headline, but the real story is a structural shift: fraud prevention is moving from compliance footnote to board-level performance driver. ANZ’s 15% reduction in scam losses ...Read more
Scams
Inside ANZ’s $100m scam‑fight playbook: how banks can turn awareness into prevention
Public-service messaging won’t stop modern scammers. Australia’s banks are moving from posters to prevention, blending AI, network controls and customer friction to change outcomes. ANZ’s program ...Read more
Scams
ANZ warns Australians to stay alert for scams during end of financial year
ANZ is warning customers to remain vigilant during the end of financial year period as scammers attempt to target Australians during tax time. Read more
More articles
OUR PLATFORMS AND BRANDS
EVENTS AND SUMMITS
- ACE25 The Accounting Conference and Exhibition
- Australian Accounting Awards
- Australian AI Awards
- Australian Aviation Awards
- Australian Aviation Summit
- Australian Broking Awards
- Australian Cyber Awards
- Australian Cyber Summit
- Australian Defence Industry Awards
- Australian Law Awards
- Australian Law Forum
- Australian Space Awards
- Australian Space Summit
- Better Business Awards
- Better Business Summit
- Broker Innovation Awards
- Broker Innovation Summit
- Budget Summit
- Corporate Counsel Summit
- Defence & National Security Workforce Awards
- Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards
- Commerical Finance Awards
- New Broker Academy
- Partner of the Year Awards
- Partner Summit
- REB Awards
- Rising Star Awards
- SME Bootcamp
- Women in Finance Awards
- Women in Finance Summit
- Women in Law Awards
- Women in Law Forum
PODCASTS
- Accountants Daily Podcast Network
- Australian Aviation Podcast Network
- Broker Daily Podcast Network
- Defence Connect Podcast Network
- HR Leader Podcast Network
- REB Podcast Network
- Space Connect Podcast
- The Adviser Podcast Network
- The ifa Show
- The Lawyers Weekly Show
- The Smart Property Investment Show
LEARNING AND EDUCATION
MOMENTUM MARKETS NETWORK
STAY CONNECTED
Make your nest egg grow. Register now for nestegg updates.