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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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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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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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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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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 2025, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ intercepted over 4.5 million malicious domains linked to fraudulent activities, including phishing, fake online shops, and scam calls. This staggering figure underscores the growing sophistication and volume of these attacks, which have resulted in annual losses of $5.7 billion.

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Marijus Briedis, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at NordVPN, highlighted the evolving threat landscape, stating, “Scammers are evolving at an unprecedented pace, using AI not just to automate attacks but to make them deeply convincing.” Briedis emphasised the importance of staying ahead in the cybersecurity race by leveraging advanced technology to detect and neutralise threats before they reach users. “But ultimately, public awareness and education remain the best defenses,” he added.

New tactics: AI meets social engineering

Gone are the days when cybercriminals relied solely on simple spam or basic phishing attempts. Today, they are deploying AI-generated voice calls that impersonate trusted contacts or financial institutions, making scams more convincing than ever. This new breed of phishing campaigns uses AI to craft highly believable emails and text messages, fooling even the most vigilant users.

The proliferation of fake online shops has also been notable, with over 120,000 malicious sites impersonating Amazon alone in just two months. Briedis explained the dual nature of AI in this context: “AI is a double-edged sword: while it powers incredible innovations, it also equips scammers with tools to mimic legitimate communication flawlessly. This fusion of AI and social engineering creates a challenging landscape where technology alone isn’t enough; users must stay alert and question what they see and hear.”

Scale of the problem

The scale of the problem is enormous, with fraudsters increasingly targeting individuals through sophisticated investment scams. These scams often use stolen personal data to enhance their credibility, making them harder to detect. From March to October 2025, millions of scam-related domains were intercepted, highlighting the heightened threat level.

Tomas Sinicki, Managing Director at NordProtect, pointed out the psychological aspect of these threats: “Cybersecurity threats are no longer just about technology — they’re increasingly about the psychology of people and their resilience to social engineering attacks. Investment scams have surged by nearly 25% year by year recently, costing victims an estimated $5.7 billion in 2024 alone.”

Sinicki further explained that these scams often begin with stolen personal data, such as an email, phone number, or even just a name. While technology can help shield identities, once data is compromised, protection depends on vigilance, strong identity monitoring, and safety nets like cyber insurance.

Prevention, protection, and ongoing commitment

To safeguard against the rising tide of investment scams, experts advise scrutinising unsolicited offers, especially those promising unusually high returns via email or social media. Verifying websites by checking domain names and avoiding suspicious templates is also crucial.

Briedis recommended additional protective measures, saying, “Enabling identity monitoring and alerts can help detect data breaches early, while multi-factor authentication adds an essential layer of security. Consumers should also consider cyber insurance and educate themselves about emerging threats like deepfake voices, impersonation, and fake shops.”

As cybercriminals continue to weaponise AI, the responsibility falls on both technology companies and individuals to adapt and respond. While the battle against AI-driven scams is ongoing, public awareness and education remain pivotal in combating these sophisticated threats.

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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 2025, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro™ intercepted over 4.5 million malicious domains linked to fraudulent activities, including phishing, fake online shops, and scam calls. This staggering figure underscores the growing sophistication and volume of these attacks, which have resulted in annual losses of $5.7 billion.

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As the global retail landscape gears up for another round of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, consumers worldwide are being advised to proceed with caution. HSBC, one of the leading financial institutions, has issued a warning to international shoppers about the increased threat of fraud during this peak shopping period. The bank emphasises the necessity of vigilance, especially for those engaging in cross-border transactions.

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Matthew Hannan, Head of Fraud at HSBC, highlighted the dual nature of Black Friday. "Black Friday is a time of great opportunity for both shoppers and fraudsters," Hannan stated. "We urge our customers to shop smart and stay alert to protect themselves from scams."

With the rise in international shopping, particularly online, the risk of encountering scams has become more pronounced. Consumers are often lured by the promise of unbeatable deals, but this can sometimes lead them into the traps set by fraudsters. Hannan's advice is timely and crucial for anyone planning to partake in the global shopping frenzy.

Key strategies for safe cross-border shopping

HSBC has laid out several strategies to help shoppers protect themselves. Firstly, the bank advises using trusted global platforms or major marketplaces that offer buyer protection and verified sellers. This is crucial because many fraudulent sites mimic well-known brands but are registered in different countries. Shoppers should always verify the merchant's country before making any payments.

Another important tip is to secure banking across countries. Enabling transaction alerts for each account is a recommended practice. These alerts provide immediate notifications of any suspicious charges, allowing consumers to act swiftly if something seems amiss. It's also essential to ensure that contact details are consistent across all regions to receive fraud alerts promptly.

When it comes to travel-related purchases, caution is advised. Hannan suggests being mindful when booking travel, particularly if advertisements for great deals appear on social media. "Independently verify you’re clicking through to an official, trusted website and company," he advises. He also recommends avoiding the use of shared computers or unsecured Wi-Fi for online purchases or currency transfers while travelling.

International delivery and customs scams are another area of concern. Shoppers are advised to verify delivery updates through official courier websites or retailer tracking links. Import duties or fees should never be paid through links in texts or emails, as this is a common scam tactic.

Lastly, consumers should be wary of foreign-currency and investment scams. Advertisements for "exclusive" foreign investment offers or "discounted" international gift cards should be approached with scepticism. Hannan underscores this by stating, "Legitimate banks will never ask you to transfer money between international accounts for security reasons."

Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated

The sophistication of fraudsters has increased, especially during global shopping events like Black Friday. Hannan remarks, "Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially during global shopping events like Black Friday. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, shoppers can enjoy the deals without falling victim to scams."

The advice from HSBC is not just for their customers but for all international shoppers. With the right precautions, consumers can enjoy the benefits of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals without falling prey to scams.

In the event that a shopper suspects they have been targeted by a scam, immediate action is crucial. HSBC advises contacting the bank immediately using the international helpline number listed on the card or app. Quick reporting can often mitigate the damage and help in recovering any potential losses.

As the shopping season approaches, the message from HSBC is clear: stay informed, remain vigilant, and take proactive measures to safeguard your finances. With these strategies, shoppers can navigate the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales safely, ensuring that their holiday season remains joyful and scam-free.

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• Yes

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As the global retail landscape gears up for another round of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, consumers worldwide are being advised to proceed with caution. HSBC, one of the leading financial institutions, has issued a warning to international shoppers about the increased threat of fraud during this peak shopping period. The bank emphasises the necessity of vigilance, especially for those engaging in cross-border transactions.

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