For many families across Western New South Wales, donating to charity and shopping for loved ones online has become as much a part of Christmas as the tree and the tinsel.

But as festive generosity and online spending rise, so too do the risks of scams targeting regional communities.

With many residents spread across vast distances and limited access to major retail centres, a growing share of Christmas shopping in towns like those across the Western Plains now happens online.

That same reliance on parcel deliveries and digital payments is exactly what scammers look to exploit during the busy Black Friday and Christmas period.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner has warned that cybercriminals are expected to intensify online scam activity in the lead-up to Christmas, taking advantage of increased internet traffic and bargain-hunting behaviour.

Recent alerts from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) show scam tactics are becoming more sophisticated, including fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, AI- generated advertisements that direct shoppers to fraudulent payment pages, counterfeit discount codes, and phishing messages sent by SMS or email.

In regional communities, delivery scams are a particular concern, with residents heavily reliant on Australia Post and courier services at this time of year.

Messages falsely claiming delivery delays, failed payments or account problems often contain links that redirect to malicious sites designed to steal banking and personal details.

The ACCC has also warned about “too good to be true” online deals and fabricated countdown timers designed to pressure shoppers into rushed purchases - a tactic becoming increasingly common during major sale events.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Sue Woodward warns shoppers to be cautious of scams during the festive season.

While shoppers face online risks, charities across Western NSW are also feeling the strain as cost-of-living pressures grow.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commissioner Sue Woodward AM said more people are turning to charities for help as family budgets tighten, but donations have almost flatlined.

“Cost of living pressures mean more people are turning to charities for help.

"But sadly, some are being turned away because resources are so stretched,” Ms Woodward said.

“Our latest Australian Charities Report showed donations have almost flatlined, rising by less than half a per cent in real terms.

"At this time of year, in the spirit of the season, we are encouraging people to dig deep and make a donation if they can.”

Ms Woodward also warned that scammers actively target generous donors at Christmas by pretending to collect on behalf of legitimate charities through phone calls, emails, text messages and even in-person approaches.

“We know there are scammers out there ready to exploit people’s generosity," she said.

“They pretend they are collecting money on behalf of a charity when they’re not.

"They may call, email, or approach you on the street seeking donations.”

Scamwatch estimates $1.4 million in losses to fake charity scams has been officially reported in the past five years, with authorities believing the real figure is likely much higher due to under-reporting.

Residents are being urged to check the ACNC Charity Register before donating, and only give through verified charity websites rather than clicking on unsolicited links or sharing personal details with unknown callers.

For regional retailers, many of whom now rely heavily on online sales during the festive period, the NSW Small Business Commissioner is encouraging strong cyber security practices through November and December, including updating systems, training staff, verifying unfamiliar suppliers and helping customers shop safely.

Free support tools are available through the NSW Small Business Commissioner’s website, including Cyber Security for Small Business: Awareness, Prevention & Response, along with cyber security webinars.

As Western NSW families balance the convenience of online shopping with the spirit of giving this Christmas, authorities say a little extra caution can help ensure local generosity ends up where it belongs - supporting genuine businesses and real charities, not scammed

Look up a charity’s contact details on the Charity Register.

There are around 65,000 registered charities on the Register.

Scamwatch, led by the National Anti-Scam Centre, has more tips on how to avoid scams.