Don’t give scammers a steal while you shop for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

So far in 2025, NSW residents have already lost $2.28 million in shopping scams with more than 75 per cent of these losses reported via online tactics, according to ScamWatch.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the busiest shopping days and can be a hunting ground for online criminals looking to steal personal information and money.

Shoppers should be wary of fake online stores created to impersonate existing and well-known brands. These deceptive websites offer significantly lower sale prices but never deliver what is paid for.

Scammers can also target victims with fraudulent listings on online marketplaces where customers may be asked for deposits or to pay upfront and provide personal information to a seller.

Some tips for shoppers include:

• If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Ensure websites begin with ‘https://’ and show a locked padlock symbol.
• Check the company contact details and return policy.
• Use secure payment methods only.
• Limit the amount of personal information you provide.
• Check reviews through a search engine or external review website.

ID Support NSW provides scam education to better protect themselves and help for shoppers who may fall victim to cyber criminals, including a personal information checklist and contact with advisors.

Find more information on the ID Support NSW page.

You can also access free online shopping eLearning modules provided by ID Support NSW.

Quotes to be attributed to Director ID Support NSW Jacki Muir:

“Cyber criminals are as creative as ever at deceiving victims into handing over their money and their personal information.”

“It literally pays to take a moment, consider if a deal is too good to be true or if the seller is legitimate before you buy.”

“The last thing you want in the lead up to Christmas is for a cyber criminal to get rich while you try to find a bargain.”