A new AMP Bank GO report reveals that the sales season is sparking impulse buys and financial hangovers, with bargain hunting often turning into overspending.

Over half of Australians (52%) admit they are more likely to make impulse purchases during sales.

The report also reveals that nearly one in three shoppers (29%) don't set a budget at all, leaving themselves particularly vulnerable to overspending.

Compounding the problem, three in five Australians (61%) deliberately delay purchases until sales, creating a "perfect storm" for impulse splurges.

While many shoppers justify their spending as gifts for others, the report shows that self-indulgence plays a big role, with a significant portion buying for themselves as well.

AMP Bank GO Director John Arnott warned that impulse purchases and poor budgeting can derail financial goals, with many shoppers particularly exposed during the festive season.

"If you set a simple budget, do your research and use the digital tools already in your pocket, you can still enjoy the bargains without waking up in January wondering where your money went," he said.

The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 1,003 Australians aged 18 and over, conducted in October 2025.

Scam season kicks off

With Black Friday becoming more of an event through the entire month, experts urge shoppers to be alert as scam activity rises.

NGM Group - the merged entity of Greater Bank and Newcastle Permanent - warns that the event marks the start of the festive shopping season and shoppers should remain alert to potential scams.

The group warns that Black Friday scams can take many forms: fake stores, phony delivery fees, bank impersonations, dodgy social media deals, and pressure-driven sales tactics

Aussies have already lost over $259 million to scams in 2025, with numbers set to climb as online shopping ramps up ahead of Christmas, according to a report by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Trend Micro research also shows that more than one in three Australians have spotted suspicious holiday deals online, and close to one in five believe they have already fallen victim to a shopping or travel-related scam this year.

Australians are being targeted across social media platforms, with Facebook (59%), Instagram (14%), and WhatsApp (8%) among the most common platforms used by scammers.

Jason Veltruski, Fraud Operations Manager at NGM Group, said scammers are quick to ride the Black Friday hype, turning the frenzy of deals into an opportunity for fraud.

"They copy the look and language of trusted brands, send fake delivery updates, and post social-media ads that appear genuine. With so much happening online, even careful shoppers can be caught off-guard - which is why a few simple checks can make a big difference," he said.