Banks Warn of Fake Stores and Parcel Scams

Australian Banking Association cautions shoppers ahead of Black Friday sales about fraudulent online stores and delivery messages.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Crime

Banks Warn of Fake Stores and Parcel Scams

Live Poll

Do you feel confident you can spot a fake online store before buying?

The Australian Banking Association warned shoppers about fake online stores, marketplace seller scams and fraudulent parcel delivery messages during Black Friday sales. Australians reported losing more than $22 million to buying and selling scams over the past year.

Why it matters

Criminals are using artificial intelligence to build fake online stores that mirror legitimate websites, making scams harder to spot. Heightened shopping activity during Black Friday creates more opportunities for criminals across Australia.

Australians reported losing more than $22 million to buying and selling scams over the past year, according to the warning. No specific prosecutions or investigations linked to these losses were detailed in the warning.

The players

Australian Banking Association

The Australian Banking Association is an industry body representing banks operating in Australia, which issued the scam warning.

The details

Criminals build fake online stores with logos and product photos that mirror legitimate websites and push them into social media feeds. Scammers also send fake texts and emails about missed deliveries to obtain personal or financial details from shoppers expecting parcels.

Over the past year: Australians reported losing more than $22 million to buying and selling scams.
Black Friday sales period: The Australian Banking Association issued its warning to shoppers.

Legal Context

Banks use Confirmation of Payee, payment warnings and payment delays as safeguards against scams that have led to over $22 million in reported losses. The warning shows these existing tools are being promoted alongside shopper vigilance as scam activity rises.

Shoppers should verify online stores before paying and be cautious of unexpected delivery texts or emails asking for personal or banking details. Banks warn that payments made in advance to marketplace sellers carry particular risk.

The takeaway

Pause before paying for a deal found through social media and check a store's legitimacy independently. Treat unexpected parcel messages with caution and contact the courier or retailer directly using verified details.