Christmas shoppers are being urged by the government to exercise extra caution this year while buying gifts for family and friends as unscrupulous cyber criminals ramp up attacks on mobile phones and websites. 

“The Christmas shopping rush is a major opportunity for scammers looking to catch the unwary,” Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones said. 

“It’s also a time when they exploit our elderly and other vulnerable groups who may be experiencing loneliness.” 

He also urges people to shop with a crucial mantra in mind: “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.” 

“The ACCC has told us that last year there was about $2 billion worth of scams … they expect that to double this year and there’s always a spike over Christmas time,” he said. 

“The government wants to have people be aware these things are likely to ramp up over the Christmas period and to take extra care.” 

Check out: Simon Carabetta of ES2 on navigating the evolving landscape of cyber security

The federal government lays out the top five Christmas scams that shoppers are to avoid this year: 

1. Online Shopping Scams

With fake toy‑shop websites usually posing as “new” online toy retailers during Christmas, the government warns consumers that they should shop with trusted websites instead. 

Aside from this, consumers are also advised to always pay securely with credit card or online payment services like PayPal. 

2. Delivery/Parcel Scams

These scams, which are the most prevalent during busy shopping periods like Christmas, usually send a link via text message to unsuspecting consumers, telling them they have a parcel ready for delivery.  

The government advises consumers to not press the link as it allows scammers to hack into the phone.  

3. Unwanted Present Scams

Consumers are warned to use caution and buy from reputable online auction sites only as scammers are known to place “unwanted present for sale” ads in classified websites over the Christmas period.  

4. “Hi Mum” scams

These scams work by scammers impersonating a family member claiming to have lost their phone and can be adapted with a Christmas message.  

It is advised that communicating via a voice call to authenticate any claim of a lost phone is an easy way to combat these scams. 

5. Puppy Scams

While getting a puppy for Christmas is a great tradition for Australian kids, the government warns that fake online puppy sales can break hearts and bank balances. Consumers are urged to adopt a dog from the RSPCA or buy only from reputed breeders. 

Minister Jones emphasises the need for shoppers to be more cautious against fraudulent activities by improving their security as the holiday draws near.

“The Christmas shopping bonanza is a gift for scammers, who set up fake shops or classified ads … they will also impersonate family members over phones and other communication devices over the holiday period,” Minister Jones said. 

“A few simple steps, like shopping with trusted retailers and calling family rather than texting, can make a big difference.” 

With AAP 

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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