Banks issue scam warning as shoppers hit the Boxing Day sales

Banks are reminding Australians to be on high alert for shopping scams as they look to grab a bargain during the Boxing Day sales.

The warning comes as new research reveals nearly two-thirds of Australians say they have been exposed to a form of shopping scam.

Research from Pyxis Polling commissioned by the ABA shows:

• 64 per cent of people say they have experienced a shopping scam
• Fake order confirmations (45 per cent) were the most common type of shopping scam
• 60 per cent of Australians say they are worried about being exposed to fake online websites.

ABA CEO Simon Birmingham urged Boxing Day bargain hunters to stay alert as shopping scams were rampant at this time of year.

“It’s prime time for shopping scams. Boxing Day is one of the busiest shopping periods of the year and scammers will be out in force,” Mr Birmingham said.

“We’re all getting flooded with emails and texts with deals from our favourite brands. It pays to take an extra few seconds to check you’re not about to get scammed.

“Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics and AI is making it easier for them to mirror legitimate businesses and create fake online stores or advertisements. Australians need to be doubly careful on social media, where far too many scams emanate from.

“Double-check you’re purchasing from a legitimate website and watch out for text messages about missed deliveries, as this is a common way for scammers to get you to hand over personal or financial details.

“Banks are investing in new safeguards, including an industry‑wide Confirmation of Payee system, more payment warnings and delays, and enhanced intelligence‑sharing to detect and stop dodgy payments, but taking a moment to double-check before you buy is still your best form of defence to stop the scam at the start.”

Common shopping scams to be on the look-out for this Boxing Day:

• Fake websites and ads on social media, mimicking legitimate brands
• Emails asking you to confirm orders you didn’t make
• Fake parcel delivery notification scams via text about missed deliveries.

Learn more about what banks are doing to safeguard customers from scams here.