11 ways to shop safely online
As more of us head online for Christmas shopping, it’s important to stay safe while hunting for a bargain.
Over five million Australians shop online each month according to a survey by Savvy, and one in three of us will make online purchases over the festive season 1 .
Shopping online can be fun, convenient – and a handy way to score a bargain. But it pays to shop smart.
Sources:
1 https://www.savvy.com.au/australias-online-shopping-behaviour-report-2022/
Shopping online can be fun, convenient – and a handy way to score a bargain. But it pays to shop smart.
Consumer watchdog – the ACCC 2 , found over 20,000 Australians fell victim to online shopping scams in 2021, with reported losses of $8 million. That figure could be far higher as only 13% of victims report scams.
Here are 11 ways to stay safe when shopping online this Christmas.
1. Only purchase from well-known sites
Know who you’re spending money with. If you’re unsure about a website or online retailer, check out a few Google reviews to get a feel for whether the site is legitimate.
2. Look for the lock
Check that websites are secure by looking for a locked padlock or key symbol in your browser window, and a web address that starts with https:// instead of http://.
3. Know the pitfalls of buying from overseas
Online shopping opens the door to a global marketplace including brands and outlets that may not be available in Australia. Bear in mind though, if you buy from overseas it can be harder to get a refund, replacement or organise repairs if something goes wrong.
4. Keep your money safe
Think carefully about making payments direct to an online retailer’s bank account. Reputable traders will let you use your credit card or an online payment service such as PayPal or BPAY®. These options allow you to dispute a charge if your purchase never shows up.
5. Don’t store card details in your browser
It can be tempting to store debit or credit card details on your browser to speed up the purchase process. However, credit reference agency Experian advises that this can increase the potential for fraud 3 .
6. Take extra care with big ticket buys
Be especially careful when making expensive purchases online. Some online shopping sites offer an escrow service, which means your payment is held with a trusted independent third party until you receive and accept the goods. Other sites such as eBay, offer a money back guarantee on some – but not all – purchases 4 .
7. Skip the free wi-fi
We all want to save on wi-fi costs but free wifi that can be found in shopping centres, airports and other public places does not offer a secure network. This leaves you open to others spying on your online activity, and potentially hacking your bank accounts.
8. Check your card accounts often
Make it a habit to check statements for your credit card and debit card. Taking a look at least monthly will help you stay on top of any unfamiliar transactions. Remember, a merchant's trading name may be different from what appears on your statement. Holding onto purchase receipts can help you match payments to names.
9. Act fast!
If you encounter any unusual debit or credit card transactions that don’t look right, get in touch with us immediately. Or, if you have made a purchase from what you feel could be a dodgy website, contact us as soon as possible. We may be able to interject before the payment lands with the receiver.
10. Keep your device security up to date
The device you use to shop online is your gateway to the internet. But it can also serve as an entrance point for cyber crooks to steal your details. Make sure the devices you use for online shopping have the latest updates installed which will help to address emerging scams and cyber threats.
11. Don’t let your guard down
It’s exciting waiting for online orders to arrive. But don’t let the excitement tempt you into falling for fake parcel delivery notifications with links that could trick you into downloading malware or giving away your personal details.
If you’re unsure about any email regarding a parcel, don’t click on any links or attachments and contact the seller or the courier company using the details on their official website.
Follow these tips and you should enjoy hassle-free spending this Christmas – and into the New Year.
Sources:
1 https://www.savvy.com.au/australias-online-shopping-behaviour-report-2022/
2 https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/Targeting%20scams%20-%20report%20of%20the%20ACCC%20on%20scams%20activity%202021.pdf
3 https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/should-you-store-credit-card-information-online/
3 https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/should-you-store-credit-card-information-online/
4 https://www.ebay.com.au/help/policies/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy/ebay-money-back-guarantee-policy?id=4210
® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518 Last updated: 8 December 2022
The information contained in this article is only correct at the point of time of publication. It is general information and has been prepared without taking into account your personal circumstances, objectives or needs. Please consider if this information is right for you before making a decision to acquire any product.