Scammers ‘love’ it: The $260 million reason Aussies are urged to be on alert
Shoppers are being warned to stay vigilant this Black Friday as shopping scams have risen nearly 20 per cent, with Australians losing almost $260 million to scams from January to September, according to the ACCC. Fake websites, ads, social media accounts and apps are the most common tactics, with scammers creating urgency around sales to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Scammers are also hijacking Facebook and Instagram accounts to push fake ticket sales, “fire sales” and investment schemes, often targeting the victim’s friends. The ACCC urges people to verify who they’re communicating with and to check website legitimacy before buying.
Vulnerable communities are reporting rising losses, including people with disabilities, those with English as a second language, and First Nations people. The ACCC advises Australians to “Stop, Check and Protect”:
- Pause before paying or sharing personal information — scammers often use urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.
- Verify who you’re dealing with by using contact details from the organisation’s official website or app.
- If something feels wrong, act fast: contact your bank, report it to police and Scamwatch, and update any compromised security details.
Originally posted SBS News, see the full article at: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/shopping-scams-black-friday-warning-australia/ewnlty0t2
