By Jonathon Tainsh, Tatum West and Jesse McPherson
December should be about holidays, family and a break from the year’s pace — not dealing with criminals trying to steal your money. Unfortunately, the festive period has become prime time for scams, with sharp increases in fake online stores, parcel delivery texts, impersonation scams and “too-good-to-be-true” investment offers.
According to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s 2024 data, Australians still lost more than two billion dollars to scams last year, even though the number of reports has fallen. Investment scams remain the largest source of losses by a significant margin, followed by phishing, payment redirection scams and romance scams.
The challenge is that scammers now use artificial intelligence tools, voice cloning, deepfake videos and sophisticated fake websites to appear more legitimate than ever. The old advice — “just trust your instincts” — is no longer enough. Today, the most effective defence is a simple, repeatable process.
Below is a practical guide to staying safe this Christmas and into 2026.
The New Era of Scams: What Has Changed
Artificial intelligence has made scams more convincing
Scamwatch and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission report that scammers now use artificial intelligence to:
- Create fake investment platforms that mimic real trading dashboards
- Clone the voices of family members or advisers from short online clips
- Generate highly realistic impersonation videos promoting cryptoasset schemes
- Produce professional-looking online stores that vanish after taking payment
Since mid-2023, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has coordinated the removal of more than fourteen thousand scam and phishing websites and advertisements — a clear indicator of how active these criminal groups are.
Shopping scams spike during November and December
Fake parcel messages and heavily discounted “Christmas sale” websites become the most commonly reported scams heading into the holidays.
Digital asset scams continue to evolve
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has also warned about “artificial intelligence-washing,” where platforms falsely claim to use artificial intelligence trading bots to deliver consistent profits. Many of these operations are unlicensed, unregulated and based offshore.
Six Red Flags That Should Make You Stop Immediately
Across Scamwatch, the National Anti-Scam Centre data and Australian Securities and Investments Commission enforcement reports, six warning signs appear repeatedly.
- Guaranteed or unusually high returns
Particularly when linked to cryptoassets, foreign exchange, artificial intelligence trading tools or small company shares.
- Urgency, secrecy or emotional pressure
Scammers intentionally rush you. Examples include:
- “Your account will be locked immediately.”
- “This opportunity closes today.”
- “Mum, Dad — I have lost my phone and urgently need money.”
- Unusual payment methods
Requests for cryptoasset transfers, gift cards, PayID to a personal name or rapid bank transfers to new accounts.
- A message or call that feels unusual
If something feels even slightly “off,” use the National Anti-Scam Centre’s behavioural framework: Stop. Check. Protect.
- Requests for remote access to your device
Remote-access scams remain one of the most financially damaging categories, responsible for more than one hundred million dollars in losses each year.
- Instructions to “move money to a safe account”
No Australian bank, superannuation fund or government agency will ever make this request.
A Simple System That Works: Stop. Check. Protect.
This framework, promoted by the National Anti-Scam Centre, is the most effective tool for everyday decision-making.
STOP
Pause before clicking, paying or responding.
- Do not rush when feeling stressed or distracted.
- Hang up if someone unexpected requests money or personal information.
CHECK
Verify the identity of the organisation or person contacting you.
- Use the official website or app — never a link sent via text message or email.
- Check investment opportunities against the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Investor Alerts List.
- Speak with a trusted family member or adviser if uncertain.
PROTECT
If something appears suspicious, act immediately.
- Contact your bank.
- Contact IDCARE for guidance if personal information has been shared.
- Change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch so others can be warned.
Investment Scams: What Clients Should Watch For
Investment scams remain the most financially damaging category in Australia, totalling nearly one billion dollars in losses during 2024.
Common tactics now include:
Fake investment dashboards
These are designed to display fake “live balances” and prevent withdrawals.
Impersonation of legitimate financial firms
Scammers copy branding, website layouts, staff biographies and licence numbers.
Artificial intelligence trading bots and algorithms
Consistent above-market returns are a major red flag.
Unlicensed investment groups on messaging apps
Any unsolicited contact through WhatsApp, Telegram or similar platforms offering investment opportunities is fraudulent.
If you cannot independently verify the licence, product disclosure, website, people involved or regulatory status, do not invest.
How People + Partners Helps Protect Clients
Financial safety is not only about managing investments — it is also about reducing the risks created by scams and suspicious activity. People + Partners builds this protection into the way we work with every client.
- Sensible, diversified portfolios — not speculative schemes
We prioritise robust, diversified portfolios held through reputable institutions. This naturally keeps clients away from unverified and speculative schemes often linked to scams.
- A trusted second set of eyes
Clients often forward unexpected messages, investment offers or payment requests for clarification. If something looks unusual, we encourage clients to contact us before acting. A brief discussion can prevent a costly mistake.
- Strong, secure processes for handling your money
We work with well-regulated banks, superannuation providers and investment platforms that maintain strong cybersecurity and fraud-prevention frameworks.
Within People + Partners, we apply additional measures designed to reduce risk and protect your information, including:
- Using multi-factor authentication where available
- Avoiding the exchange of sensitive information over ordinary email
- Redacting Tax File Numbers from documents
- Sharing confidential information through our secure client portal rather than email
- Applying additional verification steps, such as call-backs, when instructions involve new bank accounts, changes to details, or situations that warrant extra care
These measures help lower the risk of payment-redirection scams, identity misuse and unauthorised transactions, while ensuring secure and reliable handling of your financial information.
- Scam awareness integrated into ongoing advice
We include scam awareness in client discussions, especially when reviewing strategies, processing rollovers or transfers, or updating estate planning structures. Our aim is to help clients identify situations that rely on urgency, secrecy or emotional pressure.
- Here to support you before you click or transfer
If you receive a message, request or investment proposal that seems unusual or unclear, our advice team is available to help you verify it. A short conversation can provide clarity and peace of mind before you take action.
If You Think You Have Been Scammed
Act immediately:
- Contact your bank or financial institution
- Contact IDCARE for identity and data support
- Change all relevant passwords
- Report the scam to Scamwatch
Scammers are sophisticated, highly organised and very active. Victims are often intelligent, careful people who were caught in a moment of distraction or urgency. You are not alone, and support is available.
Final Thoughts
Scammers rely on speed, emotion and distraction — especially during the Christmas period. With a clear process like Stop. Check. Protect., along with a trusted advice team, you can significantly reduce your risk.
If you ever receive something that does not look right, no matter how small, please contact us. We are here to help you stay safe.
Disclaimer
People + Partners Wealth Management Pty Ltd ABN 67 127 250 613 is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357 306. The content above is for general information only and does not constitute personal financial advice. It does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs.
