Businesses urged to look for fake websites.

 

Consumers are being warned to watch out for scam websites impersonating high-profile Australian retailers when shopping online this Black Friday, Cyber Monday sale weekend (24-27 November 2023).

 

The National Anti-Scam Centre has detected a concerning increase in the number of reports of fake websites that look like genuine online retail stores belonging to many big-name, high street brands.

 

So far this year, there have been 2,760 reports of fake online stores, resulting in losses of more than half a million dollars. In total, online shopping scams cost Australians over $6.2 million, between 1 January and 30 September, 2023.

 

The consumer warning comes ahead of the Black Friday, Cyber Monday sales weekend, during which shoppers are tipped to spend a reported $6.36 billion.

 

“Scammers are opportunistic criminals who will try to take advantage of people doing their Christmas shopping online during the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday period,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

 

“A recent, disturbing development is that scammers are paying for their fake websites to appear at the top of your internet search. This means you can’t necessarily trust the first listing you see,” Lowe said. 

 

The National Anti-Scam Centre has been working with retailers to disrupt scam activity. It has also published advice for businesses impacted by scammers impersonating them.

 

Scams Awareness Week

The fake retail website scam is just one type of impersonation scam the National Anti-Scam Centre is warning about this Scams Awareness Week (27 November – 1 December 2023).