Western Australians will have more time to shop this Christmas with extended retail trading hours approved across the Perth metropolitan area, amid a warning about online shopping, marketplace and parcel delivery scams.
As households prepare for the busy shopping period, the State Government is reminding consumers that scammers are expected to ramp up their efforts during major sales events and the lead-up to Christmas.
New data from WA ScamNet shows scammers have already cost Western Australians $442,060 in shopping-related scams in 2026, with $131,511 lost to fake online shopping sites and $310,549 through online marketplaces.
Although losses are tracking at a similar level to this time last year, consumers are warned not to be complacent, with shopping scam losses almost doubling in the lead-up to Christmas in 2025, rising from $466,000 in October to $887,475 by year’s end.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales fast approaching, scammers are expected to target shoppers more aggressively, using fake websites and social media advertisements that impersonate trusted retailers to steal money and personal information.
People looking to grab a bargain through online marketplaces should also remain vigilant. Scammers frequently advertise products that do not exist, request payment outside secure platforms and disappear once funds have been transferred.
Parcel delivery scam attempts could also rise, with texts and emails claiming a parcel cannot be delivered or requires an additional payment. These messages often direct consumers to fake websites designed to harvest personal or banking details.
To provide greater flexibility for Christmas shoppers and support local retailers, the State Government has approved 40 additional trading hours for general retail shops across the Perth metropolitan area, beginning Saturday 5 December 2026.
Saturday trading hours will be extended by one hour, allowing general retail shops to open from 8am to 6pm instead of the usual 8am to 5pm. Sunday and public holiday trading hours will be extended by four hours, with shops able to trade from 8am to 6pm rather than 11am to 5pm.
From Monday 14 December until Christmas Eve, larger retailers will also be permitted to open an hour earlier on weekdays, trading from 7am to 9pm.
Extended trading hours have also been approved for most public holidays in 2027, including New Year's Day, Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter Monday, the ANZAC Day public holiday, WA Day and the King's Birthday. General retail shops in Perth and some regional areas will be permitted to trade from 8am to 6pm on those days.
Consumers are encouraged to report scams to WA ScamNet and access the latest scam alerts and advice at www.scamnet.wa.gov.au.
A package of extended trading hours has also been offered to regional areas.
Consumers are encouraged to check the Consumer Protection website for trading hours specific to their location: www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/retail-trading-hours