URGENT UPDATE: Australians are facing a tidal wave of online scams as the holiday shopping season approaches, with losses skyrocketing to nearly $260 million in the first nine months of 2025. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that over 150,000 scams have been recorded, with shopping-related frauds increasing by 19 percent this year.
As Black Friday draws near, experts are sounding alarms for the millions of Australians gearing up for sales from November 28 to December 1. “Scammers love Black Friday sales too because they know shoppers are looking for bargains,” warns Catriona Lowe, deputy chair of the ACCC. “They thrive on the urgency and pressure that comes with busy shopping periods.”
The impact is profound: nearly half of all scam losses arise from online interactions, including fraudulent websites, deceptive advertisements, or misleading social media pages. Compromised accounts, particularly on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, are exploited to gain the trust of unsuspecting victims through personal networks.
The timing of these warnings is critical as 6 million Australians are expected to participate in Black Friday sales this year, contributing to a projected spending spree of $6.8 billion. The Australian Retailers Association highlights that consumers are increasingly waiting for major sales events to make substantial purchases, further exacerbating the risk of scams.
Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, states, “Shoppers are savvy and more deliberate. They’re waiting for big sales events like Black Friday to make larger purchases.” As the popularity of this American shopping phenomenon continues to grow in Australia, 44 percent of retailers are expected to take part, up from 41 percent last year.
However, the rise in shopping scams is disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Reports from the National Anti-Scam Centre indicate staggering increases in scam losses, with victims from non-English speaking backgrounds experiencing a 35 percent rise and First Nations communities facing an alarming 50 percent increase in financial exploitation.
With the festive shopping season upon us, experts urge consumers to remain vigilant. Look out for red flags such as unsolicited messages, unrealistic deals, and unverified websites. The ACCC is advising shoppers to conduct thorough research before making any purchases online.
The urgency to protect oneself from scams cannot be overstated. As the shopping frenzy escalates, so does the risk of falling victim to fraud. Shoppers are encouraged to share these warnings within their communities to safeguard against potential losses as Black Friday approaches.
Stay informed, stay safe, and remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
