Australian consumers are being warned to stay vigilant when shopping online over the upcoming Black Friday to Cyber Monday period (29th November – 2nd December 2024) to avoid falling victim to a scam as cybercriminals look to exploit those on the lookout for a bargain.
According to Scamwatch’s Scam Statistics dashboard, about 12,400 online shopping scams have been reported so far in 2024, netting a loss of more than $3.4 million with this number expected to rise during the biggest shopping event on the Australian retail calendar.
With so many great deals on offer for Australians to get their Christmas shopping sorted, it’s important to look out for scam red flags and learn how to shop safely.
What to look out for and how to protect yourself
- Beware of websites or sellers advertising at very low prices, often considerably lower than similar to identical items on other websites. Consider whether a sale is too good to be true, it more often than not will be!
- Scammers try to create a sense of urgency to encourage you to do something quickly. Don't rush - take the time to do your research and consider whether a website is real.
- Scammers are active on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, posing as buyers or sellers. Avoiding sending money before seeing the goods; watch out for PayID scams.
- Scammers set up fake online stores on social media platforms. They open the store for a short period. After making a few sales of fake items, the stores will disappear.
They also use social media to advertise their fake website, so do not trust a site just because you have seen it advertised or shared on social media. Always access websites via an independent search rather than through links in emails, SMS, social media or sponsored ads. Check the website you want to buy from has information about privacy, terms and conditions of use, dispute resolution and contact details. Use official apps from app stores where possible. - If an online store only accepts unfamiliar payment methods, this is good indication that the website is not legitimate. Avoid paying by direct bank deposit, money transfers or digital currencies such as Bitcoin as you won’t be able to retrieve your money. You should use payment methods such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay or credit card. You may want to keep a second credit card with a low credit limit just for online shopping.
- Before entering any confidential information such as credit card details, make sure that the URL in your browser address bar turns green or begins with HTTPS and not HTTP. Also lookout for the padlock icon in the address bar. These are indicators that your session is secure and that the site is using encryption to protect your personal data.
- Avoid storing/saving payment info on websites. Share as little personal information as possible when shopping online.
- Use secure devices, avoid public wifi and ensure that you set up multi factor authentication. If you must use public Wi-Fi, secure your connection with a VPN.
- Create strong, unique passwords and passphrases. Never use the same credentials across multiple sites.
- Learn more about how to shop online securely
What to do if you have encountered a scam
If you believe you may have been a victim or lost money to a scam, it’s important to notify your financial institution as soon as possible.
Australian Mutual Bank members can speak to our Fraud Team by calling 13 61 91 or by emailing info@australianmutual.bank.
Seek support from IDCARE (a free government-funded service) who can help you develop a response plan to limit the damage. IDCARE will never contact you out of the blue.
Help others and keep authorities in the know by reporting the scam to Scamwatch.
Beware of follow up scams, particularly ones promising to help you get your money back. One in three victims of a scam have been scammed more than once according to Scamwatch.
If you or someone you know has been impacted and may need ongoing help, there are support services available. These avenues of support are available to help, listen and believe.
For more advice on how to avoid scams and what to do if you or someone you know is a victim of a scam, see our Security Advice section or visit the Scamwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.
Sources:
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/about-us/news-and-alerts/shopping-for-online-bargains-this-black-friday-weekend-make-sure-its-the-real-deal
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/shoppers-warned-to-be-alert-for-scams-during-black-friday-cyber-monday-sales/news-story/36f44081adf5575cb516134e4dab0b0f
