The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it's also a time when cybercriminals try to take advantage of people's generosity and excitement.

Cybercriminals often target shoppers during peak shopping periods, such as the December rush, when people are spending more time and money online.

ANZ bank has urged Australians to be alert to scams this holiday season.

In 2024, ANZ saw a 46 per cent reduction in customer losses from scams.

Their customer protection team prevented more than $140 million from going to cybercriminals.

ANZ Head of Customer Protection Shaq Johnson warns that it's important to be aware of common scams, which include:

• Fake parcel delivery or "parcel stuck" messages.
• Bank impersonation and business email compromise attempts.
• "Hey Mum" scams.
• Fake e-gift cards.
• Travel-related scams.

One common scam during the holidays is the "parcel stuck scam," where scammers trick people into paying additional fees or providing personal information by falsely claiming their package is stuck in transit.

Johnson advises consumers to remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

He encourages consumers to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones by being aware of the tricks cybercriminals use online.

Key Ways to Stay Safe Online:

●Be wary of enticing offers. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of offers that pressure you to make a quick purchase.

●Be cautious of new online stores. New online stores with extremely low prices can be tempting. Check the website's registration date using the ICANN Lookup search; if it was recently registered, it might be a scam.

●Avoid clicking on unexpected or unusual links. Don't click on unexpected or unusual links in emails, text messages, or pop-up messages on social media—they might lead you to a phishing website.

●Be alert for any SMS or phone call claiming to be from ANZ. The bank will never ask you to share your passwords, Shield Codes, or PIN. If you receive a request for sensitive information, it could be a bank impersonation scam. Only call ANZ on phone numbers found in the ANZ app or on its website.

●Check the website URL carefully. Scam sites often use URLs that closely resemble those of official sites. Look for dashes, symbols, or typos in the URL.

●Verify information independently. Instead of relying on the communication you received, contact the shipping company directly through their official website or phone number to confirm your delivery status.

●Use secure payment methods and always check payment details. Use secure payment methods like PayID or BPAY, and verify the name matches the recipient. Always confirm invoice details directly with the business, especially if they have changed from previous ones. Be wary of unusual payment methods, such as vendors who only accept gift cards.

●Inspect items in person. Whenever possible, physically check items before purchasing. Seeing an item in person significantly reduces the risk of falling for a scam.