1 in 4 Australians fall for online scams, as confidence and convenience fuel cyber risks

SYDNEY, July 31, 2025 – Online scams are now a constant threat for Australians. Two-thirds (65%) of Australians have been targeted and more than a quarter (27%) have fallen victim, according to new research from global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704).

Alarmingly, almost a third (30%) of victims only realised they had been targeted after suffering significant financial loss or not receiving paid goods, according to the study of more than 1,000 Australians. This highlights just how easily scams can go undetected before it’s too late.

How scams strike – social engineering meets digital convenience

The research reveals that scams are no longer just email-based or technical – they’re increasingly emotional, fast moving and embedded in everyday platforms. Among victims:

• 25% fell for a promoted item on a social media marketplace or retail website that looked legitimate.
• 19% received a text about a good investment or easy way to make money.
• 18% were sent an urgent message from fake “official” organisations citing penalties if payments or personal information were not provided.

Scammers also exploit communication behaviours:

• 39% of users have been asked to switch to another app during a conversation – a common tactic used by scammers to avoid detection and continue the scam in a less secure environment.
• 13% received a message from someone impersonating trusted contacts.
• 8% through a dating app.
• 5% were offered a loan with low rates or repayment terms.

This personal approach builds false trust, making scams feel more credible and harder to detect.

Digital overconfidence is putting Australians at risk

Australians are tethered to their mobile devices, with almost half (46%) using their phone for 1-4 hours daily, over a quarter (27%) using their phones between 5-8 hours daily, and 12% exceeding 8 hours daily, making mobile phones a prime battlefield for scammers.

At the same time, close to half of Australians (47%) do not use any mobile antivirus or security software, despite trusting their devices to manage and process sensitive financial and personal information for banking, shopping and social media:

• 87% use banking apps on their phones, yet 61% do not use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect their mobile connection.
• 39% of Australians without mobile security software believe their phones are already secure, while 21% feel they are ‘careful enough’ and don’t need extra protection, instead relying on their own gut instincts.
• 24% are unaware that antivirus or security products for mobile devices even exist.
• 17% avoid security software due to cost concerns.

These behaviours are creating ideal conditions for scammers looking to leverage emotional triggers and take advantage of the speed and spontaneity of mobile-first communication.

Embarrassment hides the true scale

Many victims hesitate to speak up about their experiences with embarrassment often masking the full extent of the problem. While most victims (88%) share their experience with others, nearly 4 in 10 (38%) of victims who stayed silent did so because they felt ashamed.

Empowering consumers to stay safe

“Scam culture has gone mainstream. Our research shows Australians are unknowingly putting themselves at risk, placing trust in their devices, their instincts and everyday platforms without the right protection in place,” said Ashley Millar, Director, Consumer Education and Marketing at Trend.

“With the increasing sophistication of technology, scams are no longer easy to identify, making them harder to spot – even for the most cautious consumers. That’s why education is critical, understanding how scams work is the first step to avoiding them. But when awareness slips or instincts fail, having antivirus and mobile security in place is an essential safety net,” he finished.

Trend Micro’s top 5 scam safety tips for Australians

• Don’t trust new or unverified sources: Just because a message, ad, or offer looks legitimate, it doesn’t mean it is. Double-check links, sender details and claims – especially on social media or messaging apps. If it feels urgent or too good to be true, it probably is.
• Avoid switching apps during conversations: Scammers often try to move you to a less secure platform – for example, from Facebook Marketplace to WhatsApp. Stick to the original app and be cautious of anyone pushing for a quick switch (especially when exchanging money or sensitive information).
• Think before you click: Promoted items, job offers, urgent delivery messages or financial advice may seem normal – but always pause before acting. Check the source, and don’t make payments or share personal info unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate.
• Use security software on your mobile devices: Phones are a prime target, yet nearly half of Australians don’t use antivirus or mobile security. A trusted security app like Trend Micro ScamCheck provides real-time protection from texts, deepfake videos and risky websites.
• Stay informed on evolving scam tactics: Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, using new platforms or emotional tricks to catch people off guard. Keep up with the latest scams through trusted sources and media outlets.

Methodology

Trend’s research was conducted in June 2025 and included 1,025 Australian consumers aged 18 and over.