Shoppers are being urged to stay alert to the risk of scammers as Black Friday sales kick-off, after almost $40 million was lost to buying and selling scams over the past year.
The ABA is reminding shoppers to be on the lookout for:
- Fake websites and ads, often AI generated and designed to mimic legitimate brands
- Social media marketplace scams including fake listings or sellers who vanish once paid
- Fake parcel delivery notification scams via text or email about missed deliveries.
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham urged shoppers to remain vigilant as scammers are out in force.
"Shopping scams are everywhere at this time of year. With Black Friday sales more popular than ever, scammers are looking to capitalise on the surge in shopping activity," Mr Birmingham said.
"Aussies looking for a bargain will spend billions over the next few weeks and scammers will be lining up to take a slice of the action.
"Scammers are becoming more savvy, increasingly using AI to mimic legitimate businesses or create fake online stores or advertisements.
"As you shop online it pays to double-check your purchasing from a legitimate website. The last thing you want is to get stitched up by a dodgy deal.
"Australians should also be on the lookout for fake parcel notifications sent via text or email asking you to share information or pay for delivery fees. This is a very common tactic used by criminals to steal your personal and financial details."
Mr Birmingham also said Australian banks now had some of the strongest anti-scam measures in the world to help shield customers from scammers.
"Our banks are now using Confirmation of Payee technology, payments warnings and delays as well as real-time detection and scam-blocking tools to help stop money from getting into the wrong hands.
"While banks are working around the clock to stop scammers in their tracks, customer vigilance is still crucial. A few seconds of caution will make sure you're getting the real deal."
