Trend Micro research reveals how Australian consumer misconceptions are fuelling scam vulnerability

SYDNEY, 14 April, 2025 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity, published research revealing a range of consumer perceptions and habits towards different types of online scams. The study of 1072 Australian consumers aged 18-65+ revealed numerous findings about common misconceptions that make people more susceptible to scams, which Trend aims to debunk in its fight against scams.

Key findings

Overconfidence in scam detection

• 31% of Australian consumers believe that they can only fall victim to online scams if they overshare personal information online. But with the rise of data breaches, consumers are at risk of cybercriminals obtaining their personal data through private channels. With personal data in hand, criminals can perpetrate a variety of crimes including scams, fraud, or identity theft.
• 47% of respondents believe scams can be easily identified by spotting grammar or spelling errors in messages or emails. While that used to be an easy way to spot scams, cybercriminals now use generative AI tools to craft convincing messages that contain none of these signs.
• Almost a third (32%) agree that they can only be extorted if they share explicit photos or videos online, underestimating the range of manipulation tactics scammers employ.

Limited preparedness:

• According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA)* consumers lost over $1 trillion to scams in the past year. Despite this, only 15% of respondents to the study confirmed that they have discussed with family or friends what to do if they are ever targeted by criminals with romance or investment scams. Furthermore, just 9% use a secret word or phrase to verify real family and friends in case of impersonation scams.

Prevalence of scams:

• A quarter of Australian respondents reported having been targeted by investment scams, versus romance scams (11%) or sextortion scams (6%).
• While most consumers (78%) reject the notion that victims of scams are primarily older, less tech-savvy adults, a majority (54%) agree to some extent that older individuals are disproportionately targeted by romance scams

Ashley Millar, Director, Consumer Education at Trend: “Online consumer scams are rapidly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot, thanks to advancements in technology and AI. This research highlights widespread misconceptions about online scams and emphasises the importance of educating consumers on taking proactive measures, such as setting up safe words with loved ones to verify identities and staying informed on emerging scam tactics.”

Cybercriminals continue to employ increasingly aggressive techniques to target consumers of all ages worldwide. Trend has committed to addressing this problem through:

• Innovation: Trend Micro ScamCheck helps consumers identify potential scams and growing AI threats like deepfakes.
• Education: Since 2008, Trend has reached over 5 million people through its curriculum and events. The company will kick off a new webinar series this month dedicated to the issue of fighting scams.
• Collaboration: Trend is the first foundation partner of GASA and will be a thought leadership sponsor at GASA Summits worldwide in 2025.

Trend’s research was conducted from January 27–February 5 2025.

*Global State of Scams Report 2024 - GASA