Australians are losing millions to online shopping scams, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, shoppers are being urged to stay alert.
Scammers deliberately target days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, knowing that pressured shoppers looking for a bargain are less likely to spot a scam. They will use tactics like creating a sense of urgency to get shoppers to make immediate decisions and payments, without completely thinking them through.
According to stats from Scamwatch, Australians have lost almost $3.5 million to online shopping scams this year.
To help savvy shoppers stay safe, here are some expert tips on how to spot and avoid online shopping scams.
Beware of fake websites.
‘Phantom’ websites are a common tactic used in online shopping scams and are designed to trick even the savviest shopper.
It is important to be extra cautious when browsing online deals. Scammers are experts at creating convincing fake websites that closely resemble legitimate retailers. Pay close attention to the domain name – even a small typo could mean you're on a scam site.
Shoppers are urged to verify the site's legitimacy by checking for contact details, a privacy policy, and terms and conditions – many fake websites don’t have this level of information. If you are shopping on an Australian website, you can use the Australian Domain Authority’s website register to see which company or trademark registered it.
Don’t click on unsolicited links.
Phishing is a tactic criminals use to steal your personal and financial information, such as login credentials or credit card details.
A common phishing tactic is a scammer sending a message about a sale or delivery, urging you to click on a link. These links then lead to fake websites or download malware onto your device.
Scammers send these phishing emails or messages posing as legitimate retailers, delivery companies or payment processors, so shoppers are discouraged from clicking on links in unsolicited text messages or emails, which may lead to fake websites.
Never open attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware. Instead, always go directly to the retailer’s official website.
Use secure payment methods.
Secure online shopping starts with secure payment.
Always check for "https" and a padlock icon in your browser to ensure your financial information is protected before making a purchase online.
Stick to trusted and secure payment methods like cards, which often have built-in buyer protection and fraud prevention features to help safeguard your purchases. Scammers will often encourage you to use untraceable payment methods, like wire transfers or cryptocurrency, so it is important to avoid these.
Have you been scammed?
If you’ve been scammed, immediately contact us on 1800 033 139, send a secure message or email info@defencebank.com.au to report the transaction(s) and alert the National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) - Scamwatch.
Educate yourself on how to keep your money safe from scammers.
Read our series of blog articles about scams, fraud and security.
Important note: This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be relied on by you as advice in any particular matter. You should contact us at Defence Bank to discuss how this information may apply to your circumstances.
