Scammers are using AI to mimic legitimate brands this Black Friday. Simon Birmingham from the Australian Banking Association explains the red flags shoppers need to know.
What’s happening: The Australian Banking Association is warning consumers about fake websites, social media marketplace scams, and fake parcel delivery notifications as scammers target the surge in shopping activity.
Why this matters: With Australians set to spend billions over the coming weeks, customer vigilance remains crucial despite banks deploying stronger anti-scam measures including Confirmation of Payee technology, payment warnings and real-time detection tools.
Shoppers are being urged to remain vigilant as scammers prepare to capitalise on Australia’s Black Friday spending surge.
The Australian Banking Association has issued a warning after almost $40 million was lost to buying and selling scams over the past year. With Black Friday sales more popular than ever, the association says scammers are looking to take advantage of increased shopping activity.
Scammers everywhere
Simon Birmingham, CEO of the Australian Banking Association, says shopping scams are everywhere at this time of year. “Aussies looking for a bargain will spend billions over the next few weeks and scammers will be lining up to take a slice of the action,” Birmingham said.
“Scammers are becoming more savvy, increasingly using AI to mimic legitimate businesses or create fake online stores or advertisements.”
The ABA is reminding shoppers to watch out for three main scam types. First, fake websites and advertisements, often AI generated and designed to mimic legitimate brands. Second, social media marketplace scams including fake listings or sellers who vanish once paid. Third, fake parcel delivery notification scams via text or email about missed deliveries.
AI fakery
Birmingham says shoppers need to double-check they’re purchasing from legitimate websites.
“As you shop online it pays to double-check your purchasing from a legitimate website. The last thing you want is to get stitched up by a dodgy deal,” Birmingham said.
“Australians should also be on the lookout for fake parcel notifications sent via text or email asking you to share information or pay for delivery fees. This is a very common tactic used by criminals to steal your personal and financial details.”
Australian banks have introduced some of the strongest anti-scam measures in the world to help shield customers from scammers, according to Birmingham. Banks are now using Confirmation of Payee technology, payments warnings and delays, as well as real-time detection and scam-blocking tools to help stop money from getting into the wrong hands.
However, Birmingham emphasises that customer vigilance remains crucial despite these protections.
“While banks are working around the clock to stop scammers in their tracks, customer vigilance is still crucial. A few seconds of caution will make sure you’re getting the real deal,” Birmingham said.
The warning comes as Australian consumers prepare for one of the biggest shopping periods of the year, with Black Friday sales traditionally marking the start of the Christmas shopping season.
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