Scams to be on the lookout for heading into 2026

27 Nov 2025, by Micron21

In an increasingly digital world, scams continue to evolve and proliferate, catching even the most cautious Australians off guard.  As we approach 2026, the threat landscape is more sophisticated than ever, with scammers leveraging AI, spoofing technology, and psychological pressure to extract money and personal information.

Recent data from the National Anti-Scam Centre and Scamwatch paints a concerning picture.  In the first nine months of 2025 alone, Australians reported losses of nearly $260 million to scams - a staggering 16% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.  While full-year figures for 2024 showed a dip to $2.03 billion (down from $2.7 billion in 2023), early 2025 trends indicate scams are rebounding strongly, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like online shopping and emergency services.

That's why we're publishing this guide: to arm you with the knowledge to spot and avoid some of the most prevalent and damaging scams emerging right now. Awareness is your best defence!

Emergency Locksmith Scams: Exploiting Vulnerability in Moments of Crisis

One of the most insidious scams targeting Australians recently involves fake emergency locksmiths.  These operators prey on people in desperate situations - locked out of their home late at night, often alone, elderly, or with young children.  What starts as a seemingly affordable call-out fee, quickly escalates into demands for thousands of dollars.

Scammers advertise rock-bottom prices online (as low as $29–$120 call-out fees) to dominate Google searches, often spending tens of thousands on ads each month.  They use fake business names, stock photos, unmarked vans, and overseas call centres.  Once on-site, they frequently damage locks unnecessarily (drilling in the wrong spot or breaking mechanisms), then inflate the bill with "extra" fees for parts, labour, urgency, or after-hours service.

In many reported cases, they refuse to hand over keys or allow entry until payment is made - sometimes using intimidating "standover" tactics.  Victims include:

• A Melbourne renter locked on their balcony who was charged $1,238 (despite advertised prices starting at $45).
• A disabled Sydney man billed $900.
• Women home alone facing bills over $2,000.

This issue has persisted and worsened into 2025, with ongoing warnings from the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia and consumer watchdogs.  Reports of similar rip-offs continue across Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne - often involving unlicensed operators who vanish or rebrand after bad reviews pile up.

Red flags to watch for:

• Too-good-to-be-true pricing.
• No physical business address.
• Pressure to pay cash or via mobile EFTPOS before work is complete.
• Reluctance to provide a detailed upfront quote.

Always verify a locksmith through the Master Locksmiths Association directory and avoid the first Google ad result in an emergency.

Black Friday and Online Shopping Scams: Bargains That Cost You Dearly

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in full swing, scammers are out in force.  The ACCC has issued repeated warnings as shopping scams surge - they were the most reported scam type causing financial loss in early 2025.

Fraudsters create convincing fake websites, social media ads, and even entire storefronts mimicking trusted retailers like Myer, JB Hi-Fi, or Amazon.  They dangle unbelievable discounts on high-demand items (electronics, fashion, appliances) and use countdown timers, "limited stock" alerts, and urgency tactics to rush you into buying.

As ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe recently stated: 

"Scammers love Black Friday sales because they know shoppers are looking for bargains and they rely on creating urgency and pressure that can come with a busy shopping period."

Once you pay (often via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or direct bank transfer), the goods never arrive - or worse, your card details are harvested for further fraud.

How to stay safe:

• Shop directly on official brand websites or apps.
• Check for HTTPS and read independent reviews on Google or Trustpilot (not just the site's own testimonials).
• Be wary of deals that seem far below market price.
• Use a credit card for purchases (better fraud protection than debit).
• Never click links from unsolicited emails or ads — type the URL manually.

Taking an extra 30 seconds to verify can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

ACCC Phone Number Spoofing: When the "Regulator" Calls You

A particularly brazen scam involves criminals spoofing official Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) phone numbers.  Using readily available VoIP technology, scammers disguise their caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming directly from the ACCC's published contact numbers.

They then pose as ACCC officers, claiming you’re entitled to a refund, involved in a case, or need to verify details urgently.  They pressure victims for personal information - bank details, passwords, Medicare numbers, or TFNs - sometimes switching to another language to target specific communities.

Phone number spoofing works because modern internet-based calling services allow anyone to set a fake "from" number with minimal effort and cost.  It's completely legal for legitimate uses but widely abused by criminals.

The National Anti-Scam Centre and Scamwatch have issued alerts confirming this tactic is active.  Remember: The real ACCC will never cold-call asking for sensitive information or payment.

Protection tips:

• If in doubt, hang up and call back using a number from the official website (accc.gov.au).
• Never share one-time passwords or banking logins over the phone.
• Use your phone's built-in call screening or blocking features.
• Report suspicious calls immediately to Scamwatch.

Scams aren't going away, they're getting smarter, faster, and more targeted.  But by slowing down, verifying sources, and trusting your instincts when something feels "off", you can avoid becoming another statistic.

Have questions about protecting yourself or your organisation from cyber-threats?

Whether it's social engineering tricks like these or technical threats like phishing, ransomware, or data breaches, the team at Micron21 is here to help.

We specialise in Australian-based, high-security hosting, DDoS protection, and tailored cybersecurity advice for businesses of all sizes.

You can reach us via phone on 1300 769 972 (Option #1) or via email at sales@micron21.com