Shoppers are being scammed online at higher rates as hundreds of millions of dollars are lost to dodgy deals across the nation.
In the first nine months of 2025, Australians reported losing nearly $260 million in more than 150,000 separate scams, the consumer watchdog said on Tuesday.
Shopping scams were the most common ruse, rising 19 per cent this year, sparking warnings for those looking for Christmas or Black Friday bargains online.
“Scammers love Black Friday sales too because they know shoppers are looking for bargains,” Australian Competition and Consumer Commission deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.
“They rely on creating urgency and pressure that can come with a busy shopping period.”
Nearly half of all scam losses come from an online contact including fake websites, advertisements or social media pages.
Compromised social media accounts, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, are used to target people’s personal networks to build trust with unsuspecting victims.
The warnings come as shoppers gear up for the busiest time of the year for Australian retail with the Black Friday weekend expected to rake in billions.
About six million people are expected to take part in Black Friday sales from November 28 to December 1, with a projected total spend of $6.8 billion, according to the retail industry.
Buying big-ticket Christmas gifts at cheaper prices was a key driver of Black Friday spending, Australian Retailers Association chief executive Chris Rodwell said.
“Shoppers are savvy and more deliberate – they’re waiting for big sales events like Black Friday to make larger purchases,” he said.
The traditional American shopping spree is growing in popularity Down Under, with Deloitte figures showing 44 per cent of Australian retailers are expected to take part in Black Friday, a rise of three per cent from 2024.
The increased buzz on Black Friday has scam watchers nervous, as vulnerable communities are reporting more financial loss from exploitation.
People who speak English as a second language and First Nations communities had reported 35 per cent and 50 per cent increases in losses from scams, the National Anti-Scam Centre said.