How to identify and avoid most common digital scams

Media Release

How to identify and avoid most common digital scams

Digital scams in Australia are not something new but what is worrying is the speed with which it evolves and the sophistication of its methods.

According to the ACCC’s National Anti-Scam Centre, Australians reported more than 108,000 scams in the first half of 2025, with losses exceeding $174 million. These crimes are no longer limited to suspicious emails. Today, fraudsters are using AI-generated content, deepfake identities and cloned websites, going even so far as to imitate family members’ voices with artificial intelligence to deceive. In this context, Damian Frittum, Director and Country Manager at IPF Digital, an international financial services company that owns the Credit24 brand, shares the most common fraud trends in Australia and the key recommendations on how to avoid them.

The most common digital scams include:

• AI or deepfake calls and e-mails. Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voices and fake emails to impersonate trusted sources from well-known lenders to government agencies. They often create a sense of urgency, claiming you must verify your identity or make an immediate payment to resolve an “issue”.
• Fake fintech or loan websites. Fraudsters set up look-alike sites that mimic legitimate lenders, complete with similar names, colours, and logos. Once you fill in your details, they harvest personal data or demand upfront “application” fees.
• Phishing or smishing for “application fees”. Scam texts and emails trick people into paying supposed “application fees” or “deposit verifications” before a loan is approved. Links usually lead to fake payment portals designed to steal card or identity details.
• Marketplace and Social Media scams. Fraudsters post fake listings for electronics, pets, or rental properties, asking for upfront deposits via bank transfer. The seller disappears after receiving the payment.
• Clone Phishing. A scammer copies the style of real business emails or hijacks a contact’s account to send messages that look legitimate. Attachments often contain malware or fake invoices.

These examples reveal how scams have changed. It’s no longer just about breaking into systems or stealing data; it’s about getting under people’s skin. “Scammers play on fear, trust and urgency, turning emotions into entry points,” explains Frittum. “That’s why financial literacy and digital awareness are so important. Knowing how scams operate, keeping software secure, and being careful with personal information online make a real difference in maintaining control over your finances.”

Recommendations to avoid being a victim of fraud

Before acting on any message or payment request, it helps to pause and check the basics. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:

• Verify who you’re dealing with. If you receive a call or email claiming to be from a lender, bank or government agency, contact the organisation directly using an official number or website. Don’t rely on contact details provided in the message.
• Check website addresses carefully. Look for small spelling changes, missing security locks or domains that don’t match the official brand. Type the address yourself rather than following a link from an email or ad.
• Never pay “application fees” or “deposits” up front. Legitimate financial institutions don’t ask for payment before a loan is approved. Always confirm the request through an official channel before transferring any money.
• Be cautious when buying or selling online. Avoid sending funds to private accounts or outside marketplace platforms. Use secure payment systems and watch for unrealistic prices or sellers who refuse in-person meetings.
• Treat unexpected attachments and links with care. Even if an email looks familiar, double-check the sender’s address and confirm directly if you weren’t expecting the message. Don’t open attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe.
• Keep your devices and software up to date. Use reputable antivirus programs and enable automatic updates to help detect malicious sites or attachments.

Scams are evolving faster than ever, but prevention still starts with awareness. Financial literacy, digital security and a moment’s hesitation remain the best protection.