Key takeaways
Scammers are getting smarter.
Unemployed citizens face a staggering 3.51% fraud rate, making them a prime target for scammers
People with disabilities suffer the second-highest risk at 1.81%, double the rate of non-disabled Australians
Citizens aged 45-54 are the most vulnerable age group at 1.57%, while young adults remain the safest at just 0.70%
As we head into the festive season, when online shopping, travel bookings, and spending ramp up, experts are warning that cybercriminals are doing the same.
And if you think you’re too smart, too old, or too young to fall for a scam, think again.
Because scammers are getting smarter and smarter.
A new study from GBG has revealed some surprising truths about who’s most likely to have their identity stolen in Australia, and the results challenge a lot of what we thought we knew.
Who’s really being targeted?
The data paints a sobering picture.
It turns out that unemployed Australians are more than twice as likely to fall victim to identity fraud compared to the average Aussie.
GBG’s analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data found that 3.51% of unemployed citizens had experienced identity fraud, compared with 1.33% of full-time workers and just 1.10% of part-timers.
That’s a big gap, and it tells us something crucial: fraudsters are deliberately preying on financial vulnerability.
According to GBG’s Managing Director of Identity Fraud, Gus Tomlinson, “Unemployed Australians and those with disabilities face significantly higher risks, requiring targeted support and protection.”
In fact, Australians living with a disability or restrictive condition recorded a 1.81% victimisation rate, almost double the 0.93% rate among those without disabilities.
Top 10 demographics most affected by identity fraud in Australia
| Rank | Category | Group | Victimisation Rate |
| 1 | Labour force status | Unemployed | 3.51% |
| 2 | Disability | Has a disability or restrictive condition | 1.81% |
| 3 | Age Range | 45-54 | 1.57% |
| 4 | Age Range | 35-44 | 1.40% |
| 5 | Age Range | 55-64 | 1.35% |
| 6 | Level of qualification | Bachelor's degree | 1.34% |
| =7 | Labour force status | Full-time | 1.33% |
| =7 | Sex | Male | 1.33% |
| 8 | Level of qualification | Postgraduate degree | 1.28% |
| 9 | Level of qualification | Advanced Diploma/Diploma/Certificate | 1.24% |
| 10 | Age Range | 25-34 | 1.21% |
These groups often rely more heavily on government support payments or use online platforms to apply for assistance, making them prime targets for scammers who exploit such systems.
Middle-aged Aussies: the unexpected target group
Forget the stereotype of elderly people being the main victims of scams.
GBG’s data shows the highest-risk age group is actually 45–54-year-olds, with a 1.57% victimisation rate, followed by those aged 35–44 (1.40%) and 55–64 (1.35%).
Why this age group? Likely because they’re the ones with the most to lose, established careers, mortgages, investments, and plenty of personal data floating around in digital systems.
By contrast, young Australians aged 15–24 were the least affected group, with just 0.70% falling victim to identity fraud, less than half the national average.
Their lower exposure to financial systems and fewer assets might make them less appealing targets.
Education doesn’t protect you, it might even hurt you
Here’s a surprise: higher education doesn’t make you safer.
In fact, bachelor’s degree holders were the most likely among education groups to be scammed (1.34%), followed by postgraduates (1.28%).
Why? Possibly because these groups tend to have more online accounts, higher incomes, and more digital interactions — all of which create more opportunities for identity theft.
Those without formal qualifications, meanwhile, recorded lower rates (0.97%).
It’s a reminder that fraudsters don’t discriminate based on intelligence or education, they just look for digital footprints and opportunity.
Another fascinating finding: men are 30% more likely to fall victim to identity fraud than women (1.33% vs. 1.02%).
That may come down to behaviour; men often take more financial risks, are more likely to engage in online trading, and may be less cautious with sharing personal information.
What this means and how to protect yourself
The data is clear: no one is immune, and vulnerability can come from anywhere, your employment status, your online habits, or even your level of education.
But as the Christmas season approaches, when Australians are shopping, donating, and clicking more than ever, it’s also a time when cybercriminals are most active.
This isn’t just about losing money, it’s about losing control of your identity.
Stolen personal information can be used to open bank accounts, take out loans, or even buy property in your name.
Here are some practical steps to stay safe:
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Be sceptical of unsolicited contact. Scammers thrive on urgency. Never click links or provide information unless you initiated the contact.
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Monitor your financial accounts regularly. Early detection can stop fraud in its tracks.
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Use two-factor authentication for all key accounts — it’s simple but effective.
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Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive transactions.
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Consider an identity protection service if you’ve already been a victim or are in a high-risk group.
The bottom line
Scammers are getting smarter, but awareness is still your best defence.
The data shows identity fraud isn’t just a risk for the elderly or the naïve, it’s an evolving threat that targets everyday Australians, often when they’re least prepared.
So as you enjoy the festive season - shopping online, travelling, and catching up with family, take a moment to also protect your digital self. Because while gifts can be replaced, your identity can’t.
