'One of the biggest red flags': why scammers will swoop in next few weeks

Scammers are expected to swoop in the next few weeks as the financial year's end delivers one of the busiest financial periods of 2026.

NGM Group, the bank behind both the Greater and Newcastle Permanent, has warned consumers to stay vigilant as tax refunds and shopping sales offer a fertile ground for unsavoury operators.

Fraud operations manager Jason Veltruski said the end of June and beginning of July offered a perfect environment because people were expecting to hear from banks, government agencies, retailers and delivery services.

"That creates an opportunity for scammers to blend in. A fake message about a tax refund, suspicious bank activity or a parcel delivery can easily look legitimate when you're already expecting similar communications," he said.

The scams can often look like fake tax refund texts, or take the form of phone calls impersonating reputable services.

Scam shopping websites can also harvest payment details, while phishing emails can entice unwary consumers to enter their information unknowingly.

Mr Veltruski said the schemes were increasingly complex and could replicate branding, logos and phone numbers with growing sophistication.

"We're seeing scam messages and phone calls that look incredibly convincing," he said.

"In some cases, people receive a text that appears in the same message thread as genuine messages from their bank. Others receive phone calls where the caller claims to be from a trusted organisation and pressures them to act immediately."

Despite the improving impersonations, Mr Veltruski said some telltale details remain.

"One of the biggest red flags is urgency," he said.

"Scammers want people to panic, click quickly or hand over information before they've had time to stop and think.

"The best defence is slowing down, independently verifying communications and trusting your instincts if something doesn't feel right."

One simple way to avoid falling into a well-laid trap was to independently seek out the details of organisations rather than simply call them back or respond directly.

"If you receive a text or email claiming to be from your bank, the ATO or another trusted organisation, don't click the link," he said.

"Instead, go directly to the organisation's official website or app yourself. If you receive a phone call and something doesn't feel right, hang up and call the official phone number listed on the organisation's website."

"That extra step can prevent people from unknowingly handing over passwords, banking details or security codes to scammers."

Some common scams

Fake ATO scams

Texts, emails or phone calls claiming you're owed a tax refund or need to urgently pay a debt. Some scams threaten legal action if payment isn't made immediately.

Bank impersonation scams

Messages claiming there has been suspicious activity on your account and asking you to click a link, transfer money or verify your banking details.

Fake EOFY sales websites

Online stores and social media ads advertising heavily discounted products that either never arrive or are used to steal card details.

Parcel delivery scams

Texts claiming there is an issue with a delivery or a small fee required before a parcel can be released.

Invoice and payment scams

Fraudsters posing as suppliers, tradies or service providers and sending updated bank details for payments.

Anyone hit with a scam can report it directly to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website, which can help raise the alarm for others.