- Black Friday Safety
- Online Shopping Scams
- Consumer Protection
Stay safe this Black Friday as scammers target Australian shoppers. Learn how to spot fake stores, delivery scams, and protect your money with expert tips from NGM Group.
Black Friday Shopping Safety Warning for Australians
As Black Friday approaches and Australians prepare to hunt for bargains, a concerning trend is emerging. Scammers are ramping up their efforts to exploit the shopping frenzy, with more than $259 million already lost to fraud in 2025 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This figure is expected to climb as online spending intensifies in the lead-up to Christmas.
Last year's Black Friday broke records, with Australian shoppers spending over $37 billion throughout November alone, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This massive spending spree creates the perfect environment for scammers to operate, hiding among legitimate retailers and promotions.
Why Black Friday Attracts Scammers
Jason Veltruski, Fraud Operations Manager at NGM Group, explains that scammers capitalise on the same marketing momentum that drives Black Friday sales. The customer-owned organisation behind Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent is urging shoppers to remain vigilant during this peak shopping period.
According to Mr Veltruski, Black Friday has effectively become the unofficial kickoff to Christmas shopping, and fraudsters are well aware of this shift in consumer behaviour. They replicate the appearance and messaging of trusted brands, distribute fake delivery notifications, and create social media advertisements that appear completely legitimate. In the midst of such intense online activity, even cautious shoppers can fall victim to sophisticated scams.
Five Common Black Friday Scams to Watch For
Understanding the tactics scammers use is your first line of defence. Here are the most prevalent scams circulating during the Black Friday period.
Fake Online Stores: These fraudulent websites and advertisements are designed to mirror popular retailers but vanish once payments are processed. Before making any purchase, verify the presence of contact details, Australian Business Numbers (ABNs), and authentic customer reviews. A legitimate business will have these details readily available.
Delivery Message Scams: You may receive text messages or emails claiming you need to pay a small fee to release a parcel. These messages often look convincing, complete with logos and tracking numbers. Rather than clicking any links in these messages, navigate directly to the courier company's official app or website to verify delivery status.
Bank or Payment Impersonations: Fraudulent messages warning of suspicious activity on your account are designed to create panic and prompt immediate action. If you receive such a notification and feel uncertain, contact your bank directly using the phone number listed on their official website, not the number provided in the message.
Social Media Bargains: Sponsored posts and marketplace listings featuring high-demand items at unbelievable prices are flooding social media platforms. These listings often request direct bank transfers, which offer no buyer protection. Always use secure payment platforms that provide purchase protection when shopping through social media.
Pressure Tactics: Countdown timers, limited stock warnings, and flash sale notifications are designed to create urgency and bypass your better judgement. Legitimate retailers may use these tactics too, but scammers rely on them to prevent you from conducting proper verification checks. Take a moment to pause and verify before entering payment details.
Practical Tips for Safe Black Friday Shopping
NGM Group recommends several straightforward measures to protect yourself while shopping online this Black Friday season. These simple practices can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud.
Always shop from trusted sources by manually typing the retailer's web address into your browser or using their official mobile app. Avoid clicking links from advertisements or unsolicited messages, as these can direct you to convincing replica sites designed to steal your information.
Before completing any purchase, conduct basic verification checks. Look for a genuine business address, a clear refund policy, and accessible customer service contact information. Legitimate businesses are transparent about their operations and make it easy for customers to reach them with concerns.
Maintain organised records of all your transactions. Save receipts, tracking numbers, and confirmation emails in a dedicated folder, whether digital or physical. This documentation becomes invaluable if you need to dispute charges or report fraudulent activity.
Regular account monitoring is essential during high-spending periods. Check your bank transactions frequently and contact your financial institution immediately if you notice any unusual or unauthorised activity. Early detection can prevent further losses and speed up the resolution process.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you suspect you've fallen victim to a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to report the fraudulent transaction. They may be able to stop the payment or initiate a chargeback process. Report the scam to Scamwatch, the ACCC's reporting platform, to help authorities track scam trends and warn other Australians. Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised, and monitor your credit report for signs of identity theft.
Staying Scam-Smart Beyond Black Friday
While Black Friday represents a peak period for scam activity, the tactics fraudsters use remain relevant throughout the year. The vigilance you develop during this shopping season will serve you well in all your online transactions. By staying informed about common scam tactics and maintaining careful verification habits, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping whilst protecting your financial security and personal information.