Shocking New Trend: Cybercriminals Strike More on Certain Days
Did you know scammers are timing their attacks to catch Australians off guard? New reports reveal that fraudsters are more active on specific days of the week and during key times of the year, increasing their chances of success.
If you’ve ever received a suspicious call, text, or email, this is a must-read. We’ll break down:
🔴 When scams peak in Australia
🟠 Why these days are riskier
🟢 How to protect yourself
Stay informed—because scammers are getting smarter, but you can stay one step ahead.
When Are Australians Most at Risk?
Research from the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) and cybersecurity experts shows that scammers strike most on:
1. Mondays & Fridays
- Why? People are distracted—either starting the workweek or winding down for the weekend.
- Common scams: Fake invoices, “missed delivery” texts, and urgent “account suspension” emails.
2. Public Holidays & Long Weekends
- Why? Fewer people monitor accounts, and banks may respond slower.
- Common scams: Travel booking fraud, fake charity donations, and “tax refund” phishing.
3. End of Financial Year (June-July)
- Why? Scammers impersonate the ATO, banks, and superannuation funds.
- Common scams: “You owe tax!” threats or fake investment opportunities.
4. Major Shopping Seasons (Black Friday, Christmas, EOFY Sales)
- Why? More online shopping = more fake retail scams.
- Common scams: Fake discount websites, “failed payment” texts, and gift card fraud.
Why Do Scammers Attack on These Days?
Cybercriminals aren’t just randomly sending scams—they strategize for maximum impact:
✔ Lower Guard – People are busier or less alert during these times.
✔ Higher Urgency – Scams like “Your account is locked!” work better when victims panic.
✔ Slower Responses – Banks and authorities may take longer to act on holidays.
Real-Life Examples of Recent Scams
🚨 “Hi Mum” Texts – Scammers pose as family members needing emergency money (common on weekends).
🚨 Fake ATO Calls – Threats about “immediate arrest” for unpaid taxes (peak during tax season).
🚨 Amazon & PayPal Phishing – Fake order confirmations (spikes during big sales events).
How to Protect Yourself (Easy Tips)
Don’t become a statistic! Follow these simple rules:
- Slow Down – Scammers create urgency. Always pause before clicking or paying.
- Verify Contacts – Call the company directly using their official website number.
- Check for Errors – Poor grammar or odd email addresses? Likely a scam.
- Enable 2FA – Two-factor authentication blocks most account takeovers.
- Report Suspicious Messages – Forward scams to Scamwatch.
What’s Being Done to Stop These Scams?
Authorities are fighting back with:
🔹 Stronger bank security to block suspicious transfers
🔹 AI detection tools to flag phishing emails faster
🔹 Public awareness campaigns (like this one!)
But the best defense? Staying informed.
Key Takeaways
✅ Scammers target Mondays, Fridays, holidays, and tax season more.
✅ They exploit distraction and urgency to trick victims.
✅ Verify before trusting unexpected messages.
✅ Report scams to help stop criminals.
Want to Learn More?
🔗 How to Spot Fake Texts & Emails (2025 Guide)
🔗 Latest Scam Trends in Australia
🔗 Best Security Apps to Block Scammers
Official Sources
📌 ACCC Scamwatch Alerts
📌 Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Tips
📌 ATO Scam Warnings