Between Valentine’s Day, Christmas, EOFY sales and Boxing Day, Aussies don’t need much convincing to hit the shops, especially here in Queensland, where retail hubs from Sunshine Plaza to Caloundra’s main street come alive with deal-hunters. And while Boxing Day has always been the heavyweight in the retail calendar, two imported rivals have quickly taken hold: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
They only landed in Australia about a decade ago largely through online shopping with global brands like Apple, but they’ve exploded in popularity. In November 2024 alone, Aussies spent more than $37 billion over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday period, and Queensland has been right up there as one of the most active spending states.
But with the rise of online shopping (and the massive spending surge across Queenslanders and Sunshine Coast locals), there’s a catch: cybercrime also spikes dramatically during this period.
Below, we unpack the rise of these sales, why cybercrime peaks over this weekend, and how to safely grab the bargains, whether you’re shopping from home in Caloundra, browsing deals at Sunshine Plaza, or ordering online from your favourite local business.
Why have these US imports become so popular in Australia?
It mostly comes down to timing. Black Friday falls on the fourth Friday in November, and Cyber Monday wraps up the weekend. For retailers, this creates the perfect pre-Christmas boost. For shoppers, it lines up beautifully with Christmas prep, school holidays and summer spending, all major drivers for Queensland families.
Add in the classic FOMO factor and the promise of limited-time bargains, and retailers have the magic formula: urgency + exclusivity. No wonder it’s taken off across the Sunshine Coast, with many local stores now jumping on board each year.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday. What’s the difference?
While they now tend to blur into one mega sale, traditionally, they meant two different things:
Black Friday
Born in the 1980s, it marked the unofficial start of Christmas shopping and the point where retailers moved from being “in the red” to “in the black”.
Cyber Monday
Coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation, it reflected the rise of online shopping, something Queenslanders have embraced heavily, especially in regional and coastal areas where digital convenience matters.
Why does cybercrime spike so sharply?
With millions of Australians (and plenty of Sunshine Coast locals) hunting for bargains online, cybercriminals know this weekend is prime time. In fact, reports show cyber threats jumped by around 275% during this period.
Queensland in particular reports a high number of phishing attempts and online shopping scams, likely because we have a strong mix of retirees, families, and small businesses who regularly shop online, often on multiple devices.
Here are the main tactics to watch for:
- Phishing emails and fake websites
Fake retailer emails or near-perfect clones of popular online stores are common and increasingly harder to spot. - Fake social media ads
Sunshine Coast locals are especially targeted on Facebook and Instagram with too-good-to-be-true ads that pretend to be big-brand retailers. - Unsecured payment portals
Hackers look for small businesses or checkout systems without proper encryption. - Data harvesting
Quick checkouts and time pressure often mean handing over too much personal info a goldmine for identity thieves.
How to stay safe while shopping online this Black Friday and Cyber Monday
You don’t need to sit the sales out, just shop smart. Here’s how to keep yourself (and your wallet) protected:
- Update your devices
Make sure your phone, tablet, or laptop is running the latest software. Many cyberattacks target older systems. - Refresh your passwords
The Australian Cyber Security Centre recommends using passphrases instead of simple passwords. - Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This extra step can stop someone from logging into your accounts even if they have your password. - Stick with trusted retailers
Whether it’s a national brand or a known Sunshine Coast business, now isn’t the moment to try unfamiliar sites. - Look for HTTPS
No “S”, no deal. - Avoid public Wi-Fi
If you’re out at Moffat Beach or grabbing a coffee in Bulcock Street, wait until you’re back on your secure home network. - Trust your gut
If it seems too good to be true, it nearly always is. - Review your purchases afterwards
Check your online banking and statements. If anything looks off, contact your bank immediately.
For even more awareness, the Australian Federal Police has videos outlining common Black Friday/Cyber Monday scams.
Stay cyber-safe and snag the bargains
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are now part of Australia’s shopping culture, and Queenslanders have well and truly embraced them. With a little awareness and smart online habits, you can enjoy the excitement without the risks.
And if you’re ready to take bargain hunting one step further, speak to your local First National Real Estate Caloundra about securing a new home during the season of sales. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just doing your research, we’re here to help with a free property appraisal or buyer consultation.
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.