Watch out for fake online deals

With more than 80% of Australian households shopping online*, it’s more important than ever to be aware of scams and dodgy deals.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said Australians lost more than $12.9 million to online shopping scams in 2021.

“People are often searching for the best deals online, especially in the sales, so it’s easy to be caught off-guard and fall for a scam,” Ms Rickard said.

Ms Rickard said scammers often appeared legitimate with a realistic-looking website and social media presence.

“While some scammers try to make online stores look legitimate by requesting payment via PayPal or credit card, always double check that the real PayPal platform is being used,” she said.

Be suspicious of too good to be true offers and any sellers that ask you to pay by bank transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency.”

Ms Rickard said a quick online search could help to prevent you from being scammed.

“Research the seller and make sure you know who you are buying from,” she said.

“Search online for the product or company name, plus ‘complaint’ or ‘scam’ to see what other people are saying.

“If you are buying from a social networking site, check the seller’s history and read reviews from other people who have dealt with them.”

Ms Rickard said online shoppers should always pay using a secure payment service.

“When you’re paying, avoid arrangements that ask for up-front payment via bank transfer, or payment through digital currency, like Bitcoin,” Ms Rickard said.

“Always try to use a secure payment service such as PayPal or credit card transaction.”

If you think you have been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. If the scam occurred on a social media platform, contact the platform and inform them of the circumstances surrounding the scam.

Find out how RACQ Bank helps keeps you safe when shopping online

*Source: Australia Post

The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.