Boxing Day Boom And Beware: Spending Surge Meets Scam Warnings

As Boxing Day sales got underway in Australia on December 26, the annual shopping tradition sparked a significant spending spree—but not without important warnings for consumers. According to 7NEWS, Boxing Day bargains from both airlines and retailers have helped fuel a surge in spending, with Australians expected to spend more than $3 billion across the post‑Christmas sales period. The event has also seen major discounted airfares from Qantas and Virgin Australia, drawing attention from shoppers and travellers alike.

Shoppers across the country have been diving into the deals, using price comparison tools and retailer mailing lists to find what they hope are genuine bargains. Experts say tracking prices before sales begin is key to spotting true discounts rather than superficial markdowns. For many consumers, stacking loyalty points, cashback offers, and coupon codes has become a popular strategy to maximise savings.

However, alongside the excitement, authorities and financial bodies have issued urgent scam warnings. With the surge in online shopping activity during Boxing Day, scammers are actively targeting eager bargain hunters by deploying fake websites, bogus order notifications, and social media ads that mimic legitimate brands. These malicious tactics aim to deceive shoppers into handing over personal or financial information.

One of the most common tricks involves fake parcel notifications or order confirmations that prompt consumers to click malicious links or enter sensitive data. According to the National Anti‑Scam Centre, scammers exploit major shopping events like Boxing Day to intensify their efforts, often using holiday rush messaging to create urgency and reduce suspicion.

Adding to the concern, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently reminded major retailers to comply with the Australian Consumer Law and avoid misleading discount claims in their advertising. The ACCC flagged tactics such as ambiguous “up to X% off” offers, misleading countdown timers, and broad “site‑wide” sale claims that don’t actually apply to many products—practices that can confuse shoppers about the true value of discounts.

Financial institutions have also been alerting customers about the heightened risk of scams during peak retail periods. As seen in warnings from banking and cybersecurity sources, fraudsters may set up fake online storefronts targeting Boxing Day shoppers, complete with convincing branding and overly generous pricing that seems “too good to be true.” Consumers are advised to verify that web addresses start with “https” and match official brand domains, and to check for legitimate contact information before entering payment details.

The timing for increased vigilance couldn’t be more critical. In the past year, Australians have lost significant sums to online shopping scams, and authorities expect cybercriminals to continue exploiting busy holiday shopping periods. Experts suggest that if an offer appears unbelievable or security cues are missing—such as a padlock icon in the browser or clear company contact details—shoppers should proceed with caution or avoid the transaction altogether.

Despite these warnings, many Australians are embracing Boxing Day with a practical shopping mindset. 7NEWS reports that around one in three consumers plan to use the sales to stock up on essentials like groceries rather than just discretionary items, reflecting a cautious spending approach in a climate of cost‑of‑living concerns.

Airline deals have also injected fresh interest into the Boxing Day festivities. Qantas announced one million discounted domestic fares, while Virgin Australia offered hundreds of thousands of tickets starting from low single‑digit prices. These offers have extended the traditional retail focus of Boxing Day into travel planning, attracting both leisure travellers and those thinking ahead to 2026 trips.

In response to the mixed landscape of exciting deals and scam risks, consumer advocates are urging shoppers to adopt a balanced approach: prepare with research, compare prices across multiple sources, and limit risky online behaviour like clicking unsolicited links or using insecure payment methods. Secure payment channels, such as credit cards with fraud protection or verified digital wallets, can offer additional safeguards against scams.

The ACCC’s emphasis on accuracy in discount advertising underscores a broader issue for consumers: not all sales are created equal. While Boxing Day has long been associated with deep discounts, evolving sales strategies and more sophisticated marketing techniques mean that shoppers must be savvier than ever. Checking retailer policies, understanding return and refund conditions, and focusing on the final price rather than the percentage discount are key tips recommended by consumer experts.

Overall, Boxing Day 2025 has showcased both the economic power of post‑Christmas sales and the ongoing challenges of consumer protection in an increasingly digital and competitive market. By staying informed and cautious, Australians can enjoy the bargains and travel deals of the season while minimizing the risks of falling victim to scams.