Online shoppers are being urged to think before clicking as scammers take advantage of the current Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales hype.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Cyber Operations Acting Commander Dean Chidgey said cyber criminals were ramping up fake text messages ahead of one of the biggest global retail sales events of the year.
Acting Commander Chidgey said there was an increased likelihood of cyber criminals aiming to exploit online shoppers by impersonating legitimate retailers along with postal and delivery services via phishing text message scams, likely generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
“Cyber criminals use phishing scams as a method to deceive victims into providing personal information through fraudulent emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate retailer, organisation, or person,” he said.
Acting Commander Chidgey said the emails contained malicious links which enabled the scammers to gain access to a victim’s computer, in attempt to steal online banking passwords, and credit card details, resulting in the loss of money and identity theft.
He said Scamwatch data showed more than 114,000 phishing reports were made in Australia in the 2023-24 financial year, which resulted in more than $18 million of recorded thefts.
“With the rising cost of living and Christmas fast approaching, many Australians are looking to pick up a bargain this Black Friday or Cyber Monday and unfortunately cybercriminals will be looking to target unsuspecting customers shopping online.
“We’re calling on Australians to ’think before they click’ this shopping season. We know that online shoppers will be bombarded with promotional text messages and emails designed to create a sense of urgency – this is why it’s important to tread with caution. You may think you are clicking on a good deal, but it may actually be a phishing scam instead.”
Suspected scams can be reported online.
