When the Holiday Rush Meets a Fraudster’s Timing
Each year, Australian businesses report a spike in payment-redirection and business-email-compromise scams as the holidays approach. According to the ACCC, these scams cost local firms over $476 million in 2024, with most incidents occurring between November and January, when staff are taking leave and finance teams are stretched thin.
In many of these cases, criminals pose as legitimate suppliers, sending fake invoices or changing bank details just before payment runs. The emails often look authentic, correct logos, contact names, and timing, making them easy to miss until it’s too late.
(Credit: www.fraudweek.com)
This pattern highlights how small process gaps can create significant exposure. That’s why November’s International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025) carries the theme “Preventing Fraud is a Team Effort – Don’t Sit on the Sidelines.”
It’s a timely reminder that vigilance shouldn’t take a holiday.
Did You Know?
Payment-redirection scams cost Australian SMEs an average of $50,000 per incident, often when internal checks are relaxed during the holidays.
An example of what a payment redirection scam can look like. Supplied: ACCC
Protect yourself!
Here’s 3 Quick Safeguards Before the Holidays:
1. Check your payment process. Require two staff approvals for supplier payments over a set limit.
2. Run a short team briefing. Remind staff how to spot phishing emails and confirm payment details verbally.
3. Review your cover. Ensure your cyber and crime policies include social-engineering fraud, many don’t by default.
Further Resources
This month’s International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025) promotes teamwork in prevention.
Explore official materials and share them with your staff:
• Counter Fraud Australia: www.counterfraud.gov.au
• International Fraud Awareness Week: www.fraudweek.com
• Commonwealth Fraud Prevention Centre: www.fraudprevention.gov.au
Earlier this year, Scams Awareness Week (25–29 August 2025) ran under the theme “Stop. Check. Protect.”
If you missed it, ACCC Scamwatch offers practical guides for recognising and reporting scams:
• Scamwatch Resources: www.scamwatch.gov.au
Sharing these resources reinforces that fraud prevention is everyone’s responsibility, not just an IT or finance task.
Have you reviewed how your insurance responds to fraud or cyber incidents lately?
If not, let’s schedule a quick pre-holiday cover review.
At All Risk Protection, our promise remains the same…
Protection is our Promise.
Let’s simplify your insurance journey and protect what matters.
Whether you’re looking for a tailored policy or expert insurance advice, our team is here to help.
Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.