Trend Micro research shows 1 in 4 Aussies have fallen victim to a scam

Aussies are pretty good at spotting a fake or scam, but the scammers just keep getting better, and new research from Trend Micro shows that they’re still trying, with research showing that 1 in 4 consumers having fallen victim to an online scam and two-thirds having been targeted. 

In their national survey of over 1,000 Aussies over the age of 18, Trend Micro research found that a quarter of victims by some sort of wonder product or device on social media, marketplace or online retailer, while just under one fifth fell victim to a scam text about investment, and a further 18% by an urgent message from someone pretending to be an official organisation threatening fines.

The scammers tactics have evolved over the years, with a solid 39% of users being asked to switch to another app while chatting, or received a message from someone pretending to be one of your contacts. Even your dating life isn’t safe, with scammers contacting 8% of the respondents in the survey. 

Most of these scams can be recognised, but the sophistication of the scams and the approaches via text, email and more is growing. A third of victims only recognised they’ve been scammed after losing money, or goods they ordered never arrive.

While mobiles are almost a primary device used these days, nearly half of Australians don’t use any mobile security, despite almost half of Aussies using their phone for up to four hours a day, using phones daily for banking, shopping and social media. Surprisingly, 61% don’t even use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect their mobile connection.

“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.

Embarrassment at being scammed is often hiding the problem, with nearly 38% of victims staying silent because they’re ashamed they got caught in a scam – though the research did find that 88% did share their experience with others. 

As far as staying safe online, there’s a few steps, which Trend Micro recommend you follow – and I think it’s worth a conversation with your kids about this as well. The top five scam safety tips for Aussies include:

• 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.