Online Shopping Scams
Scammers try to take advantage of those who shop online. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
What to do in the event of fraud or a scam
Received a text or call that seemed too good to be true? It usually is. Legitimate companies will never ask you to reveal passwords or financial information.
Beware of scams and stay updated on national scams by reviewing current scams at scamwatch.gov.au.
Pause
Don’t act straight away. Stop and think about what you’re being asked to do.
Real companies or government agencies won’t pressure you to make payments.
Review
Have a quick look on Google to see if the company or person is real and whether it's the right phone number.
Check to see if anyone else has had similar experiences.
Ask
If you’re still unsure, show a family member or friend and ask for their opinion before taking any action.
How to identify a scam
As online shopping increases, scammers try to take advantage of those who shop online. These can be anywhere on the internet but are especially found on classified sites, social media, online marketplaces, emails and more.
If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Protect yourself by:
Checking out the seller’s profile.
Google search the topic or seller name to see if there are any negative reviews.
If you believe the seller is real, use a payment method like PayPal that has inbuilt buyer protection for online sales.
As always, you should pause, review and ask a friend or family member if you’re unsure whether the sale is real.