Security teams are seeing a rise in low‑value marketplace scams, with organised scammers using convincing listings to target time‑poor Australians under cost‑of‑living pressure.
In this article:
- Organised scammers are using realistic listings and fast‑moving online channels to catch people off guard.
- Time‑poor Australians aged 18–54 who use buy/sell platforms and PayID are most often targeted.
- Reports are highest in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, reflecting higher online marketplace use.
Read more detail below.
Bank Australia’s Customer Protection Team has seen a small but clear rise in lower-value scams (often around $200), with activity increasing since Christmas.
National figures reflect the same trend.
Buying and selling scams on online marketplaces were the most reported scam type involving financial loss in 2025 to date, with 9,628 out of 19,662 reports resulting in $8.6 million in losses, according to the ACCC’s National Anti‑Scam Centre.
These aren’t big ticket incidents, most fall squarely into the smaller-dollar category.
The weighted median loss, which reflects the typical amount lost by victims by accounting for how frequently different loss amounts occur, is around $216.
Other useful stats are:
- 48% of reports involve $200 or less
- 61% involve $300 or less
- 78% involve $500 or less
This concentration around a few hundred dollars is exactly what Bank Australia’s frontline teams are seeing in real time.
Small amounts, big consequences
While a loss of around $216 might not sound significant at first glance, it can have a real impact amid rising prices and broader cost‑of‑living pressures.
Unfortunately due to the speed of modern payment infrastructure it can be difficult to recover funds, explains Bank Australia Customer Protection team member and security expert, Alex.
For many households, an unexpected loss can disrupt weekly budgets, delay essential purchases or add financial stress to an already tight situation, Alex explains.
"A smaller loss amount also means victims are less likely to report the scam, as it might not feel worth the effort".
Scams are mostly online
Scammers are creating polished, convincing listings, often copied directly from genuine ads, and targeting common items like electronics, appliances and collectibles.
According to Alex these listings often look indistinguishable from the real thing.
“From what we have seen, scammers will recycle other legitimate listings for these scams.
“Nothing is off the table, and we see really niche goods being used by scammers.
“Unfortunately this can lead people into a false sense of security,” he explains.
Scamwatch data shows marketplace listings, websites, social platforms and apps account for:
- 72% of all scam reports
- 67% of total losses
The National AntiScam Centre also reports that online contact methods were responsible for $122 million in losses in the first nine months of 2025.
Scammers are organised, not lone offenders: Security experts
Patterns suggest organised groups are behind much of the activity, say the Bank Australia Customer Protection team.
“The bank accounts used to receive the victim’s funds are held in reserves by scammers.
“When one fails/is shut down they will move on to another.
“In most cases these accounts are not in control of the person who “owns” the account.
Recycled scripts and near-identical message patterns and profiles that disappear after a few days are also common traits of scam accounts.
According to Alex, reporting the matter to the police and the ACCC (for reporting purposes only) helps authorities investigate these scam groups, and ideally encourages platforms such as Facebook and Gumtree to take further steps to stop them.
How to reduce your chances of being scammed
According to Alex, there are easy ways to protect yourself when shopping online:
Red flags: 8 clear scam danger signs
These should stop you immediately:
- Seller insists on an electronic funds transfer before you meet/receive the item. This could be a PayID payment, or a transfer to a BSB and account number.
- Price is far below market value
- Requests for deposits to “hold” the item
- Refusal to meet, video call or provide additional photos
- Payment details under a different name
- The seller asks to you send funds to someone else’s account
- Listing or profile disappears quickly
- Messaging becomes pushy or urgent
These patterns are common during peak buying periods, where scammers rely on urgency to override caution.
Orange flags: 6 signs it might be a scam
Individually these aren’t definitive - but if you see them together then be on high alert for scam potential:
- Instant, scripted responses
- Brand new profiles with little activity
- Cataloguestyle or overly professional images
- Patchy website policies or missing contact information
- Inconsistent spelling or tone
- Sudden changes to payment instructions
If you notice more than one, slow down and verify before proceeding.
6 ways to protect yourself online
Alex explains that online marketplaces such as Gumtree and Facebook are best treated as a method to organise an in-person sale - rather than being the payment platform.
“Funds should only be exchanged when you have received the purchase,” he explains.
Here are some more ways to protect yourself online:
- Use platform-protected payment methods (Visa, PayPal, etc.) Make sure you check the Online Marketplace’s payment guidelines/policies as some may not have protected payment methods.
- If someone is requesting you make a payment using an unfamiliar
method, check for its legitimacy.
- Reverse image search item photos
- Ask for a short video of the item
- Check seller profiles carefully
- Never share card or bank details in emails or unprotected messages
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed - or even if something just feels off - contact the Bank Australia Contact Centre on 132 888 straight away.
Our team can talk you through what to do next and help you work out the safest steps.
Knowing the signs and having good online shopping habits can you avoid becoming part of the national loss figures - and help others stay safe by sharing what you’ve learned.
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