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How to Enjoy Christmas — Without Letting Scammers Crash the Party

  • Writer: Jason Riley
    Jason Riley
  • Dec 9, 2025
  • 3 min read

The Christmas holiday season brings joy, generosity, and… a flurry of online activity. For many Australians, that means gifts, online shopping, festive greetings, and maybe a new device or two. But it can also attract cyber-scammers looking to take advantage of the hurry and goodwill.


At Arafura Consulting & Media, we believe — Smart • Secure • Connected — means enjoying the holidays safely.


Here’s how you (and your loved ones) can stay protected online this festive season.


What Christmas Cyber-Safety Looks Like (Without the Scammers)


The season is a perfect time to build good cyber habits. Think of it like a digital advent calendar. One small, easy step each day can make a big difference for your security all year round:


  • Use strong passphrases instead of simple passwords.

  • Update and secure any new devices (phones, tablets, laptops).

  • Enable two-step (multi-factor) authentication wherever you can.

  • Shop with trusted retailers.

  • Be extra alert to phishing emails, SMS, or messages promising “holiday deals.”


Practical Holiday Safety Tips for Aussies


1. Keep Your Devices Secure and Updated


scammer is denied an opprtunity to steal from soneone at Christmas

Before you start holiday shopping or send e-cards, make sure your computer,

tablet or smartphone is updated with the latest software and security patches. Outdated devices are easier targets for criminals.


If you’re giving or receiving new electronic gifts — phones, tablets, smart devices, etc. — treat them like you would any new present: set strong passphrases, enable security features, and avoid saving payment details automatically.


2. Use Strong, Unique Passphrases and Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)


Use a different passphrase for each account. If possible, think in terms of four or more random words (easier to remember — harder to crack).


Wherever available — banking, shopping sites, email — turn on MFA. That way, even if someone guesses your password, they’ll still need a second code or approval to log in.


3. Shop Only with Trusted Sellers & Use Secure Payment Methods


Stick with well-known, established retailers — ideally those with clear contact details, verified reviews, and secure “https://” website addresses. Avoid unknown or brand-new sellers with no history.


Use secure payment methods — credit cards, PayPal, PayID — rather than direct bank deposits or untraceable payment methods. These give you recourse if something goes wrong.


If you have the option, consider using a dedicated payment card for holiday shopping only (with low limit), rather than your main banking card. This reduces potential losses if your details are compromised.


4. Be Extra Wary of “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals, Phishing & Fake Delivery Notices


Holiday seasons are peak time for phishing scams and fake “sales.” Beware of unsolicited emails, texts or social-media ads offering huge discounts or “exclusive” offers, and never click on links from unknown sources.


If you receive a delivery notification or tracking email — always go to the courier’s official website manually (don’t click the provided link) to confirm whether it's real. Fake delivery notices are an increasingly common trap.


5. Share Cyber-Safety with Family & Friends — Especially Older Loved Ones


Christmas scammers often rely on urgency or good intentions to trick people so it is important that you take a minute to remind family and friends (especially seniors) that it’s OK to pause and think before clicking or buying. Treat every unknown message as suspicious until verified.


6. Check Your Accounts & Know Where to Turn for Help


After holiday shopping, keep an eye on your bank statements or credit card records. If you notice any unusual activity, please contact your bank promptly.


If you suspect fraud or identity theft, in Australia you can report it to:


Make Cyber-Safety Part of Your Holiday Traditions


This festive season, think of cyber safety as another gift you give yourself and those you care about. A secure device, a strong passphrase, a careful click — these simple habits can bring peace of mind all year round.


From all of us at Arafura Consulting & Media, stay safe, stay secure, and enjoy a happy, worry-free holiday season.

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