How safe do you really feel online? New Trend Micro research revealed that two-thirds of Australians have been targeted by online scams, and more than a quarter have fallen victim. Scams are no longer rare or obvious. They’re now woven into everyday digital life and often strike when people least expect it.

With mobile phones being used for everything from banking to shopping and social media, they’ve become a prime target. Yet alarmingly, almost half of Australians don’t use mobile security software, leaving the door wide open for scammers.

Why are we at risk?

Overconfidence

• 39% of Australians without mobile security software believe their phones are already secure, while 21% feel they are ‘careful enough’ and don’t need extra protection, instead relying on their own gut instincts.

Lack of awareness

•  A quarter of Australians don’t know mobile antivirus software exists and that’s a major concern, given how much sensitive activity happens on our phones.

Time online

• Over a third of us spend 5+ hours a day on our phones, increasing exposure to scams, phishing attempts, and malicious apps.

Today’s Most Common Scam Tactics

Fake marketplace ads

• 1 in 4 scam victims were tricked by fake products promoted on social media or retail websites. These often look legitimate, making them easy to fall for.

Impersonation of officials

• 18% were sent an urgent message from fake “official” organisations citing penalties if payments or personal information were not provided.

Investment scams

• 19% received a text about a good investment or easy way to make money, these financial traps continue to lure unsuspecting victims.

Platform switching:

• 39% of people reported being asked to move conversations from trusted platforms like Facebook to WhatsApp—a red flag, as scammers use this tactic to dodge detection.

5 Simple Ways to Stay Safer Online

1. Don’t trust appearances. Just because a message or ad looks legit doesn’t mean it is. Take a second to verify links, senders, and claims.
2. Avoid switching apps. If someone wants to move the conversation off a trusted platform, that’s a red flag.
3. Pause before you act. If it’s urgent or sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
4. Use mobile security software. 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.
5. Stay up to date. Scammers constantly evolve their tactics, stay informed through trusted news sources and cybersecurity alerts.

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