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Australia’s prudential cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) loans is unlikely to trigger a price correction, but it will rewire investor strategies, product design and lender competition. In a tight rental market—especially in Queensland—the rule nudges capital allocation rather than demand destruction. This case study shows how a mid-tier lender used portfolio analytics and policy tweaks to defend growth, and what that means for banks, non-banks and property investors. The playbook is less about headline rates and more about precision underwriting, channel orchestration and compliant use of AI.

" ["fulltext"]=> string(9196) "

Context: Macroprudential fine-tuning meets constrained rental supply

Australia’s prudential supervisor is introducing a cap on the share of new lending extended at high DTIs—an intervention aimed at containing riskier lending, not engineering a price cycle. The Reserve Bank’s Financial Stability Review (April 2025) notes that the share of high-DTI lending swelled during the low-rate era and has since eased as rates normalised, but pockets of leverage remain concentrated among investors. Industry experts argue the new cap will pinch borrowing capacity for highly leveraged investors and add friction to multi-property strategies, while broader price effects are likely muted given ongoing supply constraints and strong migration-driven demand. The pressure point is the rental market: Queensland, already tight, could see incremental strain if marginal investor purchases are deferred.

Market structure matters. APRA’s framework binds authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs). Non-banks—regulated by ASIC—are not directly captured, setting the stage for competitive spillovers. Meanwhile, state-level dynamics diverge: recent data point to rising investor activity in Victoria, while affordability pockets in regional markets continue to draw investors seeking yield. Against this backdrop, the DTI cap is less a blunt brake and more a capital allocation nudge that favours borrowers with stronger incomes, lower existing debt and simpler loan structures.

Decision: A mid-tier lender’s proactive pivot

To test implementation reality, we examine an anonymised composite case of a mid-tier ADI (“MidBank”) that elected to get ahead of the rule. Two choices defined the strategy:

• Pre-emptive portfolio guardrails. MidBank set an internal ceiling below the expected regulatory limit for high-DTI flows, insulating headroom for priority segments (professional investors with diversified income, essential-worker borrowers, and prime owner-occupiers with strong buffers).
• Channel and product reshaping. The bank redesigned credit policy for investors: tighter shading on rental income, closer scrutiny of interest-only rollover, and new incentives for principal-and-interest repayment on investment loans to reduce DTI at origination.

The thesis was straightforward: protect growth by shifting mix, not chasing volume at the margin. Leadership framed it as a portfolio optimisation problem, not a sales problem.

Technical deep-dive: How the DTI cap bites—and where it doesn’t

Mechanically, DTI is total borrower debt divided by gross income. APRA’s cap limits the proportion of new lending with DTIs above a set threshold in a given period. Three operational consequences follow:

• Pipeline management. Lenders must track the real-time share of high-DTI approvals and throttle where necessary—especially near month-end when broker settlements cluster.
• Policy levers. Income verification, rental income shading, treatment of existing HECS/HELP liabilities, and buffers on interest-only terms have outsized impact on calculated DTI.
• Regulatory perimeter. ADIs must comply; non-banks may absorb spillover demand, intensifying competition for higher-yield segments.

Data and AI can help triage applications likely to breach DTI limits by simulating borrower outcomes under different structures (e.g., consolidating consumer debt, adjusting repayment type). However, lenders must align tooling with Australia’s AI Ethics Principles (Department of Industry, Science and Resources) and the public-sector governance practices exemplified by the ATO, including transparency, human-in-the-loop controls and robust model risk management.

Implementation: Precision underwriting and broker enablement

MidBank executed a four-step program over 10 weeks:

• Portfolio analytics. Stand up daily dashboards showing the proportion of high-DTI applications in-flight by channel, LVR bucket and state. Scenario test policy tweaks on historical cohorts.
• Credit policy recalibration. Adjust rental income shading, apply targeted haircuts to short-term bonus income, and set stricter criteria for interest-only terms on investment loans.
• Broker playbook. Equip brokers with pre-application calculators to restructure liabilities (e.g., consolidating credit cards, switching some repayments to principal-and-interest) to land below the DTI threshold without materially changing borrower objectives.
• Overflow partnerships. Establish referral protocols to a white-label non-bank for applicants consistently above the cap, preserving customer relationships while respecting the ADI’s guardrails.

Change management focused on cycle time: incremental checks can slow approvals; MidBank used straight-through data retrieval (income verification APIs, credit bureau integrations) to offset friction.

Results: Early signals and modelled impacts

Within one quarter of implementation, MidBank’s internal monitoring and scenario modelling suggested:

• Portfolio mix reshaped. The share of investor applications breaching the high-DTI threshold fell materially, with most volume retained via restructuring rather than decline or deferral.
• Borrowing capacity recalibration. Average approved loan size for highly leveraged investors edged lower, while average serviceability buffers improved—supporting prudential objectives without collapsing throughput.
• Channel stability. Broker conversion rates held broadly steady after a brief dip during the first month of policy change.
• Rental market effect lagged. No immediate improvement in rental listings was observed; if anything, deferrals by some investors reinforced already tight conditions, particularly in Queensland—echoing the directional concern voiced by market analysts.

At a system level, the RBA has previously observed that tighter macroprudential measures tend to reallocate lending rather than trigger abrupt price corrections when supply is constrained. This early experience is consistent: riskier tails are trimmed; prime segments proceed.

Lessons: Strategy, not slogans

For executives across the property-finance value chain, five lessons stand out:

• Business impact. Treat the cap as a portfolio capacity constraint. The ROI is in mix management: preserving margin by prioritising lower-risk segments and reducing post-origination remediation.
• Competitive advantage. Early adopters with robust analytics can accommodate more complex investor cases within the cap by restructuring liabilities, stealing share from slower rivals. Non-banks will compete for overflow; partnership strategies can be accretive.
• Market trends. Investor activity may rotate geographically (e.g., renewed interest in Victoria) and by product (greater appetite for principal-and-interest to improve DTI), with build-to-rent and professionally managed stock benefitting from capital that might otherwise chase geared purchases.
• Implementation reality. Speed matters. Broker guidance, pre-flight DTI checks and clear exceptions governance prevent end-of-month throttling that damages brand equity.
• Risk and governance. If using AI to optimise affordability pathways, adopt model governance consistent with Australian public-sector standards: explainability, fairness testing across borrower cohorts, and audit trails.

Future outlook: Scenarios and strategic roadmap

Three scenarios should anchor board discussions over the next 12–18 months:

• Baseline. The cap trims the riskiest lending tail; prices track supply-demand fundamentals; rental markets remain tight until supply lifts. ADIs lean into analytics; non-bank share edges up.
• Upside. If migration normalises and supply pipelines improve, investor volumes recover within the cap via lower-DTI structures. Competition intensifies on service and speed rather than rate alone.
• Downside. If rates remain higher for longer and policy uncertainty persists, investment decisions are deferred, deepening rental scarcity in hotspots. Policymakers may seek targeted supply-side interventions to offset unintended rental market frictions.

Strategic roadmap: invest in real-time DTI telemetry, broker tooling, and compliant AI; refine product design to support DTI-friendly amortisation; structure non-bank alliances; and maintain transparent communications with borrowers about affordability pathways. In short, the winners will operationalise prudential policy into a disciplined growth engine.

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• Yes

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Australia’s prudential cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) loans is unlikely to trigger a price correction, but it will rewire investor strategies, product design and lender competition. In a tight rental market—especially in Queensland—the rule nudges capital allocation rather than demand destruction. This case study shows how a mid-tier lender used portfolio analytics and policy tweaks to defend growth, and what that means for banks, non-banks and property investors. The playbook is less about headline rates and more about precision underwriting, channel orchestration and compliant use of AI.

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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 intelligence (AI). The report, titled "2026 Scam Predictions: How AI and Emotion Are Re-Engineering Global Scams," forecasts a future where scams are not only AI-driven but also scaled and engineered to manipulate emotions, reshaping the landscape of digital fraud.

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"Today, AI is transforming how scams are created and delivered, making them more convincing, more prolific and harder to recognise," said Ashley Millar, Director of Consumer Education at Trend Micro. This transformation is largely attributed to the increasing sophistication of AI, which allows fraudsters to create scams that are more realistic and difficult for consumers to identify. According to Millar, "nearly half of Australians say they encounter AI-generated content very frequently or constantly online," highlighting the blurred lines between genuine and fraudulent content.

The report delves into how AI-generated personas, deepfake media, and agentic automation are revolutionising global scam operations. With these technologies, cybercriminals can clone voices, craft personalised messages, and seamlessly shift conversations across various platforms, including SMS, chat apps, and fake websites. The result is a multi-channel approach to scams, where victims are enticed from social media or text messages into encrypted chats and fraudulent payment pages. This method is expected to become the dominant pattern in 2026.

Particularly concerning are relationship and investment scams, which are projected to drive the highest financial losses. AI chatbots, deepfake companions, and manipulated imagery are blurring the line between real and synthetic interactions. Meanwhile, crypto-related investment fraud is anticipated to expand through sophisticated scam-as-a-service networks. Instant payment fraud is also on the rise, as criminals exploit peer-to-peer money apps and irreversible transfers.

High volume impersonation scams, including delivery, billing, and subscription renewal fraud, are expected to remain the most common global threat. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, relying on localised smishing kits and professional-grade branding that make them nearly indistinguishable from legitimate communications.

To combat this new wave of AI-driven scams, Trend Micro is promoting its ScamCheck tool as a key protection layer for consumers. ScamCheck allows users to instantly verify suspicious texts, links, social messages, and phone numbers. It directly addresses the multi-channel fraud journeys outlined in the report by analysing impersonation patterns, risky URLs, and behavioural cues commonly seen in various scams. "ScamCheck gives consumers immediate verification guidance," said Millar, "helping them spot AI-engineered or highly polished scams that bypass traditional forms of detection."

Trend Micro advises consumers worldwide to adopt new "verification-first" habits as fraud tactics evolve. The company warns that AI-enhanced fraud is rendering older warning signs, such as poor spelling or grammar, obsolete. Instead, users are encouraged to rely on identity checks, cross-channel verification, and an awareness that even convincing messages can be engineered to manipulate trust.

Trend's predictions underscore a future where scams operate as AI-scaled ecosystems. Those who stay informed, use secure-by-design platforms, and adopt modern verification practices will be best equipped to protect themselves in an increasingly deceptive digital world.

For more insights into Trend Micro’s 2026 Consumer Threat Predictions, the full report is available for viewing at their official website. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and vigilant has never been more crucial for consumers navigating the complexities of online interactions.

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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 intelligence (AI). The report, titled "2026 Scam Predictions: How AI and Emotion Are Re-Engineering Global Scams," forecasts a future where scams are not only AI-driven but also scaled and engineered to manipulate emotions, reshaping the landscape of digital fraud.

Write comment (0 Comments) " ["jcfields"]=> array(9) { [1]=> object(stdClass)#10591 (33) { ["id"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(17) "Automatic tagging" ["name"]=> string(17) "automatic-tagging" ["checked_out"]=> NULL ["checked_out_time"]=> NULL ["note"]=> string(0) "" ["state"]=> int(1) ["access"]=> int(1) ["created_time"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 05:26:30" ["created_user_id"]=> int(2355) ["ordering"]=> int(-1) ["language"]=> string(1) "*" ["fieldparams"]=> object(Joomla\Registry\Registry)#10426 (3) { ["data":protected]=> object(stdClass)#10444 (1) { ["options"]=> object(stdClass)#10448 (2) { ["options0"]=> object(stdClass)#10425 (2) { ["name"]=> string(3) "Yes" ["value"]=> string(1) "1" } ["options1"]=> object(stdClass)#10445 (2) { ["name"]=> string(2) "No" ["value"]=> string(1) "0" } } } ["initialized":protected]=> bool(true) ["separator":protected]=> string(1) "." } ["params"]=> object(Joomla\Registry\Registry)#10427 (3) { ["data":protected]=> object(stdClass)#10443 (6) { ["hint"]=> 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The Australian government's decision to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off into the next financial year has been met with approval from business leaders. However, there are growing calls for more comprehensive support measures to address ongoing economic challenges faced by small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).

" ["fulltext"]=> string(3849) "

Ian Boyd, General Manager for Australia and New Zealand at GoCardless, expressed his support for the extension, highlighting its importance in the current economic climate. "We have been big advocates of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for years, so we’re very happy to see it extended into next year. For as long as inflation remains sticky, initiatives like this are key to providing businesses the breathing room needed to keep their financial situation steady," Boyd said.

Despite this positive step, Boyd emphasised the need for a more extensive support strategy for SMBs. He pointed out that the current measures are insufficient to address the financial pressures businesses face. "What is needed in addition to the write-off is a more comprehensive long-term support strategy for small-to-medium businesses. We need to encourage patrons to support local businesses and to ease the pressure of slow cash flow and escalating overheads," he stated.

Boyd also addressed the issue of payment surcharges, arguing that the proposed ban on card surcharges does not adequately address the financial burden on businesses. "We need a full review of all payment surcharges to ensure businesses aren’t being overburdened with unavoidable costs that impact the bottom line and harm customer relationships," he said.

Furthermore, Boyd highlighted the challenges businesses face in recouping outstanding payments, citing findings from GoCardless's Pursuing Payments report. "Our latest Pursuing Payments report revealed that more than 1 in 3 businesses have turned to credit facilities because late payments have impacted their cash flow. Clearly, the $20k instant asset write-off isn’t enough for businesses to keep their heads above water," he explained. Boyd advocated for greater incentives for businesses to adopt automated payment solutions, such as Direct Debit and PayTo, to improve cash flow management.

Rob Dunn, General Manager for Benefits and Superannuation at Employment Hero, echoed Boyd's sentiments regarding the importance of the instant asset write-off for small businesses. "This legislation is critical for small businesses. By easing cash flow pressures and reducing the tax burden, it frees up capital for owners to invest in better tools, expand their services and hire more staff," Dunn stated.

Dunn also highlighted the challenges posed by rising employment administration costs due to regulatory changes, such as the upcoming Payday Super laws. "It’s especially important in an environment where we continue to see the cost of employment administration rising for small businesses due to constant regulatory change and new compliance obligations, such as the Payday Super laws commencing on 1 July 2026," he said.

While the extension provides some relief, Dunn called for more permanent solutions to support small businesses in the long term. "But we can’t keep relying on one-year-at-a-time extensions. Annual changes force employers to operate in uncertainty when they should be planning ahead," he argued. Dunn stressed the need for stable tax settings to enable businesses to invest confidently in their operations and workforce. "In a rapidly changing economic environment, small businesses need a permanent instant asset write-off. When employers can rely on stable tax settings, they invest more confidently in their operations and, most importantly, in their people," he concluded.

The extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off is a welcome development for small businesses, providing them with some financial relief amid ongoing challenges. However, as Boyd and Dunn have highlighted, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive and permanent support measures to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of SMBs in Australia.

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The Australian government's decision to extend the $20,000 instant asset write-off into the next financial year has been met with approval from business leaders. However, there are growing calls for more comprehensive support measures to address ongoing economic challenges faced by small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).

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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, scammers are exploiting the busy period to target unsuspecting consumers. HSBC Australia is urging the public to be cautious and informed about the various scams prevalent during this time.

"Scammers know that Australians are busy, and spending more at this time of year," said Matt Hannan, Head of Fraud at HSBC Australia. "We want customers to enjoy the festive season and ensure they remain scam aware. That’s why we are sharing some of the most common scams affecting Australians and a few that we are seeing on the rise."

One of the most common scams Australians need to be wary of is the parcel delivery scam. With record parcel volumes, scammers are sending fake notifications claiming a delivery has been missed, requesting a small redelivery fee or personal details. These messages often impersonate trusted companies, such as Australia Post, FedEx, or DHL.

The online shopping and marketplace purchase scams are also on the rise. Fake websites, counterfeit brand sales, and fraudulent listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Instagram are particularly prevalent in December. Scammers lure shoppers with limited-time offers or heavily discounted gifts, making it crucial for consumers to verify the authenticity of deals before making any purchases.

Phishing emails are another threat during the festive season. These emails often include fake delivery notifications, bogus charity appeals, and impersonations of retailers or banks. Hannan advises, "To stay safe, verify the legitimacy of links and offers, and be cautious with unsolicited emails or requests for personal information."

The holiday season can also be a lonely time for some, making them more vulnerable to romance and loneliness scams. Online relationships that quickly escalate into pleas for money, urgent bill payments, or dubious "investment opportunities" are common tactics used by scammers during this period.

Job scams are also prevalent, as the holiday season offers temporary job opportunities. Scammers exploit this by posting fake job ads online. Applicants are advised to be cautious of jobs that require detailed personal or financial information or demand a "fee" to apply. Some scams even involve hiring individuals for roles that include fraudulent activities, such as reshipping goods purchased with stolen credit cards. It is essential to verify the legitimacy of employers and be wary of recruiters using personal email addresses instead of business domains.

Another scam that spikes around Christmas is the "Hi Mum/Hi Dad" family message scam. Scammers message from a new number, pretending to be a family member whose phone is "broken," asking for urgent help or money transfers. The emotional pressures of the holiday season make this scam particularly effective.

Bank impersonation scams are also on the rise, with scammers posing as banks using spoofed caller IDs or messages. They claim to need a password or code to "confirm a transaction" or "unlock your account" or to send money to a "safe account." Hannan emphasises, "Your bank would never do this."

Investment scams and year-end "bonus" opportunities are another area of concern. Fraudsters push "exclusive December returns," cryptocurrency schemes, property share investments, or fake IPOs. Consumers are urged to verify all investment opportunities through official channels at any time of year.

Gift card and voucher scams are also prevalent, with fake emails and ads promoting discounted gift cards leading customers to cloned sites that steal card details or payment information.

Charity and holiday donation scams are also a concern, as scammers set up fake charities or impersonate humanitarian organisations during the season of giving. They use emotional stories, recent global events, or urgent needs to pressure quick donations.

Secret Santa and social group scams are circulating heavily in group chats, promising dozens of gifts in return for sending one. These are pyramid schemes that harvest personal details and never deliver on the promise.

Finally, travel and holiday accommodation scams are on the rise, with fake holiday rentals, discounted hotel packages, and fraudulent airline ticket sites spiking during December travel planning. Scammers advertise properties that don’t exist or steal real listing photos.

For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the HSBC Fraud and Scam Prevention Hub. As the festive season approaches, Australians are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

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• Yes

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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, scammers are exploiting the busy period to target unsuspecting consumers. HSBC Australia is urging the public to be cautious and informed about the various scams prevalent during this time.

"Scammers know that Australians are busy, and spending more at this time of year," said Matt Hannan, Head of Fraud at HSBC Australia. "We want customers to enjoy the festive season and ensure they remain scam aware. That’s why we are sharing some of the most common scams affecting Australians and a few that we are seeing on the rise."

One of the most common scams Australians need to be wary of is the parcel delivery scam. With record parcel volumes, scammers are sending fake notifications claiming a delivery has been missed, requesting a small redelivery fee or personal details. These messages often impersonate trusted companies, such as Australia Post, FedEx, or DHL.

The online shopping and marketplace purchase scams are also on the rise. Fake websites, counterfeit brand sales, and fraudulent listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Instagram are particularly prevalent in December. Scammers lure shoppers with limited-time offers or heavily discounted gifts, making it crucial for consumers to verify the authenticity of deals before making any purchases.

Phishing emails are another threat during the festive season. These emails often include fake delivery notifications, bogus charity appeals, and impersonations of retailers or banks. Hannan advises, "To stay safe, verify the legitimacy of links and offers, and be cautious with unsolicited emails or requests for personal information."

The holiday season can also be a lonely time for some, making them more vulnerable to romance and loneliness scams. Online relationships that quickly escalate into pleas for money, urgent bill payments, or dubious "investment opportunities" are common tactics used by scammers during this period.

Job scams are also prevalent, as the holiday season offers temporary job opportunities. Scammers exploit this by posting fake job ads online. Applicants are advised to be cautious of jobs that require detailed personal or financial information or demand a "fee" to apply. Some scams even involve hiring individuals for roles that include fraudulent activities, such as reshipping goods purchased with stolen credit cards. It is essential to verify the legitimacy of employers and be wary of recruiters using personal email addresses instead of business domains.

Another scam that spikes around Christmas is the "Hi Mum/Hi Dad" family message scam. Scammers message from a new number, pretending to be a family member whose phone is "broken," asking for urgent help or money transfers. The emotional pressures of the holiday season make this scam particularly effective.

Bank impersonation scams are also on the rise, with scammers posing as banks using spoofed caller IDs or messages. They claim to need a password or code to "confirm a transaction" or "unlock your account" or to send money to a "safe account." Hannan emphasises, "Your bank would never do this."

Investment scams and year-end "bonus" opportunities are another area of concern. Fraudsters push "exclusive December returns," cryptocurrency schemes, property share investments, or fake IPOs. Consumers are urged to verify all investment opportunities through official channels at any time of year.

Gift card and voucher scams are also prevalent, with fake emails and ads promoting discounted gift cards leading customers to cloned sites that steal card details or payment information.

Charity and holiday donation scams are also a concern, as scammers set up fake charities or impersonate humanitarian organisations during the season of giving. They use emotional stories, recent global events, or urgent needs to pressure quick donations.

Secret Santa and social group scams are circulating heavily in group chats, promising dozens of gifts in return for sending one. These are pyramid schemes that harvest personal details and never deliver on the promise.

Finally, travel and holiday accommodation scams are on the rise, with fake holiday rentals, discounted hotel packages, and fraudulent airline ticket sites spiking during December travel planning. Scammers advertise properties that don’t exist or steal real listing photos.

For more information on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the HSBC Fraud and Scam Prevention Hub. As the festive season approaches, Australians are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

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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 survey conducted by the company, nearly half of Australians plan to shop for gifts or make travel reservations online during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, creating a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit.

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The research, which surveyed over 1,000 Australians, reveals that more than one in three shoppers have already encountered suspicious deals in their social media feeds and inboxes this holiday season. Ashley Millar, Trend Micro’s Director of Consumer Education, highlights the growing threat: “With nearly half of Australians shopping or booking travel online this Black Friday and many spending more time chasing discounts, cybercriminals are seizing the moment. Fake deals, spoofed delivery alerts, and impersonated brands are flooding inboxes, messages, and social feeds.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has reported a 16% year-on-year increase in scam losses, with a staggering $259.5 million lost to scams between January and September 2025. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of consumer vigilance as scam activity continues to rise. Millar adds, “Financial stress is accelerating risk. When budgets are tight, people act fast, and that’s when mistakes happen. One in three shoppers have already encountered suspicious offers this season. It’s a reminder that urgency and emotion are powerful tools for scammers, and that even small lapses in caution can have costly consequences.”

The survey uncovered that 49% of Australians plan to participate in Black Friday shopping, while 37% intend to shop on Cyber Monday. However, the allure of discounts and deals comes with a warning: 46% of respondents indicated they would spend more time searching for discounts compared to last year, potentially increasing their exposure to scams.

Trend Micro’s findings also shed light on how scammers are targeting consumers. One in four Australians reported encountering fraudulent content or messages impersonating well-known brands. Additionally, 20% have come across online ads, emails, texts, social media posts, or websites related to online charities seeking donations that they believed to be scams. A significant 68% of respondents received fraudulent messages or emails alerting them to problems with the delivery of items they ordered.

Email remains the most common method scammers use to target consumers, with 41% of respondents reporting email as the primary channel for scams. Social media follows at 21%, and text messages at 16%. Among social platforms, Facebook is the most targeted, with 59% of Australians reporting scam activity, followed by Instagram (14%) and WhatsApp (8%).

The survey also explored how victims realised they were scammed. Of the 17% who fell victim to online scams related to shopping or booking travel this year, 21% only realised they were scammed when an item they ordered never arrived. Meanwhile, 14% discovered the scam after conducting research post-payment, and 13% only became aware when money was withdrawn from their bank account by someone else.

For those who suspect they have encountered a scam, the top methods for verification include researching online (37%) and trusting their instincts (35%). However, only 12% of consumers have used an online scam-checking app to confirm their suspicions.

As the holiday shopping season intensifies, Trend Micro’s research serves as a crucial reminder for Australians to remain vigilant. With cybercriminals capitalising on the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consumers are urged to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of deals and offers before making purchases.

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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 survey conducted by the company, nearly half of Australians plan to shop for gifts or make travel reservations online during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, creating a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit.

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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 economic pressures are making consumers more susceptible to scams, with 42% of Australians having been targeted by job scams and nearly one in three experiencing financial fraud.

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The comprehensive global survey, which included over 1,000 Australians among more than 7,000 participants across eight markets, highlights a worrying trend. The Australian figures surpass the global average, with 42% of Australians targeted by job scams compared to 38% globally. Of those targeted, 18% have fallen victim. Additionally, 29% of Australians have been ensnared in financial scams or fraud, illustrating how economic stress is driving digital risk.

Half of the Australian respondents reported that their financial security or income has been adversely affected over the past year, slightly higher than the global figure of 48%. Furthermore, 38% of Australians express significant concern about the current economic climate and its potential impact on their financial security in the upcoming year.

Economic pressure turns into digital vulnerability

As Australians grapple with escalating living costs, scammers are exploiting individuals’ desperation for extra income through deceptive job offers and investment schemes. Among those whose income was negatively impacted, 65% cited increased living expenses, while 13% reported job loss or layoffs.

More than half of Australians (56%) have received unsolicited texts or emails offering jobs or additional income opportunities. Alarmingly, 43% of these contacts were from unidentified companies, and 37% were from unrecognised entities. A significant 68% were promised substantial earnings for minimal work hours, while 77% were directed to continue communication via phone, email, or messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram — a common tactic to evade detection.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Australians responded to these messages, with almost half (46%) doing so out of a need for extra income. However, only 35% are currently earning money from these engagements, and a mere 25% are employed through them. Of those who did not earn money, 40% were asked to invest their own funds.

For the 18% of Australians who fell victim to job scams, 28% realised the scam only after their accounts were hacked, and 27% after losing a significant amount of money. "Job scams are among one of the most insidious forms of online fraud because they target people’s livelihoods," said Ashley Millar, Trend Micro’s Director of Consumer Education. "When living costs rise and genuine job opportunities feel scarce, offers that promise a quick buck can look incredibly convincing. Scammers exploit that pressure, turning consumers’ search for financial stability into their biggest vulnerability."

Discount desperation: the new scam goldmine

Australians’ quest for bargains is also leading to riskier online behaviour. Many consumers are clicking hastily, trusting unfamiliar retailers, and ignoring warning signs, creating new opportunities for scammers. Over half (58%) of Australians feel compelled to spend more time hunting for the best deals compared to last year, with 74% attributing this to concerns about rising prices and 13% citing tighter budgets.

A significant 36% of shoppers almost always click to learn more or make purchases when they see attractive online discounts or promotions. Additionally, 23% typically click on links in text messages offering promotions or discounts.

Cutting corners on cyber safety

Despite increasing awareness of online threats, one in five Australians (20%) admit to disabling their antivirus or security software, either temporarily or permanently, to enhance device performance. This risky behaviour leaves them more vulnerable to cyber threats.

"When money’s tight, people are more likely to take risks, and that is exactly what scammers count on," explained Millar. "The holiday shopping season, especially high-pressure moments like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is prime time for scams. Shoppers are rushed, distracted, and eager to save, which makes them more likely to click impulsively or ignore red flags. For cybercriminals, it’s the perfect storm."

Millar advises, "The best defence isn’t complicated. If a deal looks too good to be true, assume it is. Go directly to trusted websites, avoid clicking links directly from messages or ads, and always keep your security software switched on. A few extra seconds of caution can mean the difference between a genuine bargain and a costly mistake."

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• Yes

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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 economic pressures are making consumers more susceptible to scams, with 42% of Australians having been targeted by job scams and nearly one in three experiencing financial fraud.

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