Twice a year, Afterpay Day brings a wave of deals across Australia and New Zealand, with discounts on fashion, electronics, beauty, homewares and more. For shoppers, it is a chance to score a genuine bargain and split the cost into manageable Buy Now, Pay Later instalments. 

It is also a timely reminder to stay alert. 

Major sales events create ideal conditions for scammers. When you are expecting a flood of messages about orders, payments, and limited-time deals, a convincing fake can be easier to miss. The good news is that many shopping scams rely on familiar tricks. Once you know what to look for, they become much easier to spot. 

The Message That Is Not Really From Afterpay 

One common trap is a text message or email warning you about “suspicious activity”, a “missed payment” or an account that needs “verifying”. The message is designed to make you act quickly. You tap the link, land on a convincing imitation of a legitimate login page and enter your details without realising the page is fake. 

The safest response is simple: do not use the link. 

Instead, open the official Afterpay app or type the website address into your browser yourself. If there is a genuine issue with your account, you can check it securely from there. Never share your password, verification code, personal information or financial details in response to an unexpected message or call. If somebody asks for this information, treat it as a red flag. 

The Deal That Is Too Good to Be True 

The second trick plays on the reason you are shopping in the first place: a great price. Scammers can create polished copycat websites that imitate trusted retailers or appear to be legitimate online stores. They may advertise popular products at unusually steep discounts to pressure you into buying before you have time to think. 

Before making a purchase, check the web address carefully. Fake sites often use a subtle misspelling, an extra word or an unfamiliar domain. A swapped letter can be easy to overlook when you are rushing to secure a bargain. 

Be cautious when shopping with an unfamiliar retailer. Look for genuine contact details, a clear returns policy and independent reviews. Search for the business separately rather than relying on links in an advertisement, email or social media post. 

Remember: a steep discount is a reason to look closer, not click faster. 

How to Protect Yourself 

• Go direct rather than clicking links 
  • Open the official app or type the retailer’s website address into your browser.
     

• Protect your login details 
  • Never share your password, verification code, personal details, or financial information in response to an unexpected message or call. 
    
    

• Check the web address carefully 
  • Look for misspellings, extra words, and unusual domains. 
    
    

• Research unfamiliar retailers 
  • Check the store’s contact details, returns policy, and independent reviews before making a purchase. 
    
    

• Do not be rushed 
  • Urgency is a common scam tactic. A genuine bargain should survive a five-minute check. 
    
    

• Report suspicious activity 
  • In Australia, report scams to Scamwatch. In New Zealand, contact Netsafe through its online reporting service.
    
    

Afterpay Day should be about scoring a good deal, not becoming one. Take a moment before you tap, trust your instincts when something feels off and enjoy the sales knowing the only thing getting a discount is the price tag.