This year, Black Friday falls on 29 November and Cyber Monday on 1 December. While most retailers host sales on these days, many also offer deals before the official sales start.
With millions of people choosing to shop online on and around sales periods, it’s a prime time for scammers to target bargain hunters. They set up fake websites to mimic popular brands, using stolen logos and product images, and even ‘.com.au’ domains.
Scammers often use store names that closely resemble genuine retailers or invent new names to lure you in. They may also advertise luxury items like designer clothing and jewellery at huge discounts, but in reality they offer counterfeit goods, or no goods at all.
Social media is a key channel used by scammers. You may see an increase in fake online stores, running ads for ‘unbelievable’ deals, then quickly disappear after making a series of sales. Just because a store appears on social media, don’t assume it’s legitimate – verify it through independent reviews or by visiting official brand sites.
In the coming weeks, you’ll likely receive a flood of emails and text messages from legitimate retailers advertising real sales, but unfortunately, you’ll also likely receive scam emails and text messages too.
Read on to find out how to differentiate a scam from legitimate offers and marketing.
For online shopping, go directly to sites you know and trust rather than through online advertising or social media links.
It's important to know that scam sites often appear at the top of search results and even use paid ads to seem legitimate and increase visibility.
Check out these examples of JB Hi-Fi scams.
Keep your University email strictly for University-related messages. For shopping, consider using a separate email to protect your main personal address. That way, if a seller's data is compromised, your primary account is safe.
If you come across an amazing sale or see goods significantly discounted, proceed with caution. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Always conduct an independent review by visiting the retailers official website and avoid clicking on links, via email, text message and social media, if you're unsure.
Make sure your device is secure and updated with the latest software.
It's also important to stick to trusted internet connections, like your home network, and avoid public Wi-Fi, as cybercriminals can lurk in these networks.
Pay with a credit card or a trusted payment app like PayPal, as they offer added security and fraud protection.
A legitimate retailer or business will never make you confirm your card details via email, text or through social media.
Carefully check sender details, hover over hyperlinks and research unfamiliar stores to see if they’ve been reported as a scam.
A simple search of ‘Is <store name> a scam' can reveal helpful information. If you're unclear, steer clear.
If you fall victim to a scam, contact your bank, card provider or payment service immediately. They can guide you on securing your account and may be able to reverse transactions. It's also important to report the incident to Scamwatch.
If you suspect your personal information has been stolen, reach out to IDCARE. If you suspect your University account or device has been impacted by a scam, contact the ICT Helpdesk on 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864).
Learn more about other common scams and how to avoid them.
