10 silly season scams to watch out for

Marina Gainulina
10:30am December 23 2025

Australians love a festive bargain almost as much as a seafood Christmas lunch. 

 

Unfortunately, scammers have cottoned on, too. 

 

As the National Anti-Scam Centre warns, Aussies having already lost nearly $260 million to scams this year, with online shopping scams leading the pack. 

 

Here’s what’s trending in scam-land and how to stay ahead: 

 

1. Social media shopping ads 
Those too-good-to-be-true Instagram deals for designer sneakers? They are often a front for counterfeit goods or phishing sites. If the price looks like a typo, it probably is. 

 

2. Ghost online stores 
Professional-looking websites promising luxury goods at clearance prices. You pay, they disappear. No gifts, no refunds. 

 

3. Delivery notification scams 
Texts claiming your parcel is delayed or needs a fee. Click the link and you could be installing malware faster than you can say “the Grinch”. 

 

4. Gift card payment demands 
Remember, no legitimate business asks for gift cards as payment. If someone insists, you can bet your Christmas ham it’s likely a scam. 

 

5. Family impersonation scams 
AI voice cloning is the new catfish, and this technique is a doozy. Scammers call and pose as relatives in distress, asking for urgent transfers. Always verify before sending money, or even better – have a secret family ‘safe word’/password to ensure the person you’re speaking to is who they say they are. 

 

6. Travel scams 
Fake holiday rentals and bogus airline refunds lure you in with dream deals. Research before paying deposits - or risk funding someone else’s getaway. 

 

7. Phishing emails and texts 
Urgent messages claiming to be from banks or retailers urging “act now!” are classic traps. Slow down and check the source. 

 

8. Charity and crowdfunding scams 
’Tis the season for giving - and for scammers to exploit generosity. Verify charities and funding campaigns before donating. 

 

9. Seasonal job scams 
Looking to make some extra cash over the holidays? Watch out for fake job ads demanding upfront fees or personal details. 

 

10. QR code scams 
Malicious codes in fake promos can install malware. Scan with caution. 

 

How to stay scam-smart 

 

  • Don’t pay under pressure - especially via gift cards or crypto. 

  • Verify before you click. Go straight to official sites. 

  • Check URLs and email addresses for sneaky misspellings. 

  • Research charities before donating. 

  • If something feels off, contact your bank immediately. 

 

Scammers weaponise urgency and emotion.  

 

This season, keep your cool, trust your gut and remember that the only surprises you want are under the tree. 

Marina Gainulina

Marina Gainulina is a Content Producer for Westpac Wire, with ten years of experience in marketing communications. She holds a Bachelor of Communications & Media (Journalism) degree and a drive to connect with discerning audiences via authentic storytelling across mediums. She has managed editorial and brand comms for the likes of Tiffany & Co., Hugo Boss, NIVEA and GRAZIA.

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