Australians are set to spend $1.6 billion during Boxing Day sales on Friday, a 4.3% rise from last year. The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) predicts $3.832 billion in total spending in the post-Christmas week, up 4.4%. Catriona Lowe, deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), warned shoppers to watch out for fake discounts. “We are concerned that despite many warnings, some retailers are still using a range of tactics to misrepresent the size or scope of discounts and the duration of sales to consumers,” she said. The ACCC flagged misleading strategies like fake countdown timers after checking major retailers during Black Friday. Household goods and fashion are expected to lead with $476 million and $216 million in sales on Boxing Day. Department stores forecast a 5.1% sales rise to $123 million. Finder's survey suggests one in three Australians will shop Boxing Day sales, spending $3.1 billion in total. ARA CEO Chris Rodwell called the event a “premier discount” occasion, driving growth despite overall low consumer confidence. The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index dropped 2 points to 81.5 recently, affected by possible interest rate hikes and weaker job data. Economist Sophia Angala said the rating ended the year 6 points lower than January. Retail expert Prof Gary Mortimer noted how the shopping tradition keeps Boxing Day popular despite gloomy moods. KPMG chief economist Brendan Rynne said people spend cautiously, focusing on big sales. Household spending grew 1.3% in October and 5.6% over the year, showing inflation and strong employment support spending amid low confidence.