5 Scams Australians Are Likely to Face in 2026

Australians reported more than $280 million in scam losses in 2025, according to data from Scamwatch. CHOICE*, Australia’s independent, member-funded consumer advocacy organization, warns that today’s scams are no longer random or obviously fake. Instead, they’re built around real moments in everyday life: new laws, popular events, online shopping, financial uncertainty, and rapidly evolving technology.

Below are five scam patterns Australians should be especially alert to this year, and how th