Online scams trap one third of victims in Australia, New Zealand

Recent research from Trend Micro has revealed that online scams are a prevalent threat in both Australia and New Zealand, affecting a substantial proportion of the population in each country.

The study, which surveyed 1,025 Australian and 517 New Zealand consumers aged 18 and over, found that two-thirds of participants in both countries had been targeted by online scams, and a significant share had fallen victim. In Australia, 27% of respondents reported having fallen for an online scam, whereas in New Zealand, the figure was higher at 33%.

Financial loss and delayed detection

According to the survey, nearly one-third of scam victims in both countries only realised they had been targeted after experiencing financial losses or failing to receive goods they had paid for. This demonstrates how easily such scams can go unnoticed until consequences become serious.

Common scam tactics

The research highlights a shift in scamming techniques, with perpetrators increasingly exploiting digital convenience and emotional triggers rather than relying solely on traditional, technical methods. In Australia, 25% of scam victims reported being deceived by promoted items on social media marketplaces or retail sites that appeared legitimate, while in New Zealand, this affected 32% of victims. Other methods include investment scam texts (19% in Australia, 17% in New Zealand), and urgent messages from impostors posing as official organisations demanding payments or personal data (18% in Australia, 9% in New Zealand).

Scammers frequently manipulate digital communication behaviour. In both countries, 39% of users had been asked to switch to another app during an online conversation - a tactic often used by scammers to continue their schemes in environments with fewer security controls. In Australia, 13% of victims were contacted by impostors posing as trusted acquaintances, while in New Zealand the figure was 18%. Other platforms used include dating apps and messaging services, through which false trust is established to increase the scam's credibility.

Risks of overconfidence and device use

The widespread daily use of smartphones is creating more opportunities for cybercriminals. In Australia, 46% of respondents use their phones 1-4 hours each day, 27% for 5-8 hours, and 12% for more than 8 hours. In New Zealand, 45% use their mobile devices 1-4 hours daily, 30% for 5-8 hours, and 14% for more than 8 hours. Despite high engagement with banking, shopping, and social functions on these devices, many consumers are not employing security best practices. Nearly half of Australians (47%) and half of New Zealanders (50%) do not use antivirus or security software on their mobile devices.

The survey also revealed that 87% of Australians and 88% of New Zealanders use banking apps on their phones, yet 61% and 62% respectively do not use virtual private networks (VPNs) for added protection. Among those not using security software, 39% in both countries believe their phones are secure as is, while significant proportions rely on their own caution or remain unaware of available protections. Cost concerns also deter 17% of respondents in both countries from adopting security solutions.

Stigma and underreporting

Embarrassment continues to suppress the true scale of online scams, with many victims hesitant to disclose their experiences. In Australia, although 88% of victims share their experience, nearly four in ten of those who remain quiet (38%) do so out of shame. In New Zealand, while 81% disclose their ordeal, almost half (47%) of silent victims cite embarrassment as the reason.

Advocacy for awareness and protection

"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.

Advice for consumers

Trend Micro recommended several basic precautions to mitigate scam risks. These include being sceptical of unverified sources, not switching to different apps during conversations, pausing before clicking on links or providing personal information, installing security software on smartphones, and staying updated on evolving scam tactics.

The findings underline how digital habits and confidence in online platforms can expose users to significant risks if appropriate security and awareness measures are not followed.