ANZ has issued a warning to shoppers ahead of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, urging vigilance against online scams as retail spending is expected to surge. The bank noted that cybercriminals often target consumers during these peak periods when many are focused on securing deals.
The official start of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday events is set for November 28, but several retailers have already begun offering early discounts. These sales mark the beginning of a busy shopping season that extends through Christmas and Boxing Day, a period that also sees an increase in scam activity.
According to ANZ, there was an 8% rise in average consumer card spending from November to December 2024 compared to June through October of the same year. This uptick aligns with Scamwatch data showing Australians lost about $600,000 to online shopping scams in November 2024—almost double the losses reported the previous year.
Data from ANZ shows that Goods and Services scams made up approximately 40% of all scam cases reported and resolved between July 2024 and June 2025. Most of these scams began with online contact.
Shaq Johnson, ANZ Head of Customer Protection, stated: “Cybercriminals thrive during peak retail periods. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are prime opportunities for scammers to take advantage of eager shoppers who have been holding out for these sales to make their purchases online.
“We urge Australians to be hypervigilant when making purchases during the upcoming sales season. We often see fake shopping websites, advertisements or giveaways impersonating reputable retailers, hoping to entice shoppers with big discounts and incredible deals.
“Major retail discounts typically encourage shoppers to act fast to avoid missing out on a good deal. Remember – stop, think and consider. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Customers should always double check all details are correct and the website they are purchasing from is legitimate. If you are ever unsure, call your bank - our teams are available to help.”
Fella Hamilton’s Managing Director David Hamilton commented on preparations for Black Friday: “Black Friday is a major sales event, and we’re expecting this year to be bigger than ever. November is a busy shopping month – we see shoppers getting ready to snap up deals early, both online and in-store.
“While it’s a great time to save, it’s also important to stay alert to scams and only shop through trusted retailers. Whether you’re shopping online, or dropping into a store, our team is always here to help with any questions or concerns, so customers can shop with confidence.”
To help protect consumers from falling victim to scams this season, ANZ advises several precautions:
- Avoid clicking links requesting personal information; verify sites independently.
- Check that URLs begin with “https” and use reputable domains.
- Be skeptical of heavily discounted offers not matched in-store.
- Use standard payment methods; avoid requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency payments.
ANZ operates customer protection services around the clock for those who suspect they may have fallen victim (http://www.anz.com.au/security/report-fraud/). Additional information about scam types can be found at http://www.anz.com.au/security/types-of-scams.
The bank has also launched its Scam Safe series aimed at keeping customers informed about emerging cybersecurity threats and fraud trends while sharing steps being taken by ANZ in response.