West Australians will have extra time to finish their Christmas shopping this year, but shoppers are being warned to watch out for scammers as the festive spending rush begins.
The State Government has approved 40 additional trading hours for general retail shops across Perth from December 5, with the extended hours coming as new data warns shopping scam losses will almost double again in the lead-up to Christmas.
Saturday trading will be extended by one hour, allowing general retail shops to open from 8am to 6pm, rather than 8am to 5pm.
Sunday and public holiday trading hours will also be extended, with shops able to open from 8am to 6pm rather than 11am to 5pm.
From December 14 until Christmas Eve, larger retailers will be permitted to open an hour earlier on weekdays, trading from 7am to 9pm.
However, as shoppers are prepared to spend big, WA ScamNet is warning West Australians to be vigilant when buying products online and of bogus parcel delivery messages.
West Australians have already lost $442,060 to shopping-related scams this year, including $131,511 through fake online shopping sites and $310,549 through online marketplaces.
Although the losses are at a similar level to last year, the government is warning they could climb significantly during the Christmas period.
According to data, shopping scam losses almost doubled in the final months of last year, going from $466,000 in October to $887,475 by the end of the same year.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, the government is expecting scammers to target bargain hunters through fake websites and social media advertisements impersonating trusted retailers.
This year, Black Friday will fall on Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday on Monday, November 30.
Online marketplace shoppers are also being warned about sellers offering products that don’t exist, requesting payments outside secure payment platforms and “ghosting” after receiving money.
Shoppers are also urged to be wary of any text messages and emails claiming a parcel cannot be delivered or requires an additional payment. These messages can direct shoppers to fake websites which are designed to steal personal or banking information.
Commerce Minister Tony Buti said extended trading hours would give consumers greater flexibility while supporting local retailers during a key trading period.
“We’ve approved extended trading hours this Christmas to give consumers more choice about how and when they shop, while supporting local retailers during one of their most important trading periods,” he said.
He said scammers would also take advantage of the increased spending during the festive season.
“Scammers don’t take a break at Christmas. In fact, they see the festive season as a prime opportunity to target consumers who are spending more, looking for bargains and expecting deliveries,” Dr Buti said.
“Western Australians have already lost more than $442,000 to shopping scams this year, and last year’s figures show those losses can rise sharply in the lead-up to Christmas.”
Mr Buti also urged shoppers to take extra care before making purchases or clicking on online links.
“Whether you’re shopping online, buying through a marketplace or tracking a delivery, it’s worth taking a moment to stop and check before clicking a link, making a payment or sharing personal information,” he said.
Consumers can report scams and access warnings and advice through WA ScamNet.
Regional shoppers are to check the Consumer Protection website for trading hours in their area.
Additional approvals to trading hours include most public holidays in 2027 — New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter Monday, the Anzac Day public holiday, WA Day and the King’s Birthday.
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