However, it is important to be aware of the risks of shopping online and take steps to safeguard your personal and financial information.

What are online shopping scams?

Scammers use fake retail websites or online marketplaces to trick buyers into purchasing in-demand or low prices goods. In many cases, the products you pay for never arrive.

They create fake websites to capture your personal information, each time you provide your details such as an email address or a credit card, your information becomes prey for cyber criminals.

Online shopping tips to protect yourself

• Ensure the website is secure – look for https:// (s is for secure)
• Search online for the merchant’s name, their store, and the products to see what other customers are saying.
• Use a secure payment option such as PayPal, BPay or your credit card
• Avoid public computers and networks when shopping online
• Beware of a site asking for more personal information than they need
• Avoid storing your credit card details on websites for future shopping; this may leave it open to a compromise
• Before purchasing check the retailer's return or refund policy and complaints handling policies
• Always conduct transactions within the website and avoid private contact or payment directly with buyers or sellers

What can you do if you think you’ve been scammed?

• Contact us immediately if you have shared any financial information or noticed any unauthorised activity on your account.
  Business hours: 138 001
  (Monday – Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am – 1pm (AEST/AEDT)
  After hours: 1300 705 750
  From overseas: +61 2 8299 9101

Report it to:

• Your state’s Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs Office
• The ACCC’s Scamwatch