Shoppers on the hunt for a bargain during the Black Friday sales period are being warned to be on high alert for scams.
The Australian Banking Association is reminding shoppers to be on the lookout for popular scams that are circulating:
- Buying and selling scams – Scammers create websites that closely mirror legitimate sites to deceive people into fake purchases.
- Parcel tracking scams – Fake parcel notifications sent via text message or email tricking people into sharing personal or financial information.
ABA CEO Anna Bligh said scam activity always surges during the Black Friday sales period and scammers will use every trick in the book to steal money from shoppers.
“Shoppers should be on high alert this Black Friday that the deal you’re getting might be too good to be true.” Ms Bligh said.
“While you’re on the lookout for a good deal, be careful you don’t get more than you bargained for.
“Black Friday is an opportune time for scammers and they are out in force trying to steal your hard-earned money.
“Be aware of shonky websites imitating popular brands and fake parcel notifications sent via text or email asking you to share personal information.
“It pays to double check that the website you are buying from is legitimate, to ensure you get what you purchased.
Ms Bligh said banks have put in extra safeguards in place to protect customers under the industry’s world-leading Scam-Safe Accord.
“Banks are deploying a range of tools to protect customers such as confirmation of payee technology, more payment warnings and delays, identity checks and enhanced intelligence sharing.”
