Navigate Black Friday safely: essential tips for global shoppers
Matthew Hannan, Head of Fraud at HSBC, emphasises the importance of caution during this peak shopping season. “Black Friday is a time of great opportunity for both shoppers and fraudsters,” Hannan states. “We urge our customers to shop smart and stay alert to protect themselves from scams.”
Key Tips for Safe Cross-Border Shopping:
- Shop Smart Across Borders: Use trusted global platforms or major marketplaces that offer buyer protection and verified sellers. Always verify the country of the merchant before making a payment, as fraudulent sites often mimic well-known brands but are registered elsewhere.
- Secure Your Banking Across Countries: Enable transaction alerts for each account to receive immediate notifications of suspicious charges. Ensure your contact details are consistent across all regions to receive fraud alerts promptly.
- Stay Vigilant When Travelling: Be mindful when booking travel, particularly if you see ads on social media for great deals – independently verify you’re clicking through to an official, trusted website and company. When travelling, avoid using shared computers or unsecured Wi-Fi for online purchases or currency transfers on the go.
- Beware of International Delivery and Customs Scams: Verify delivery updates through official courier websites or retailer tracking links. Never pay import duties or fees through links in texts or emails.
- Watch Out for Foreign-Currency and Investment Scams: Be cautious of ads for “exclusive” foreign investment offers or “discounted” international gift cards. Legitimate banks will never ask you to transfer money between international accounts for security reasons.
“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially during global shopping events like Black Friday,” Hannan adds. “By staying informed and taking proactive measures, shoppers can enjoy the deals without falling victim to scams.”
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, contact your bank immediately using the international helpline number listed on your card or app.
HSBC Australia
In Australia, the HSBC Group offers an extensive range of financial services through a network of branches and offices. Principal HSBC Group members operating in Australia include HSBC Bank Australia Limited (ABN 48 006 434 162 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 232595) and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (ABN 65 117 925 970 and AFSL 301737).
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,234bn at 30 September 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
Media enquiries:
Lillian Birchall
E-mail: lillian.birchall@hsbc.com.au