If you’re tempted to shop online for Boxing day deals, pay attention or you could end up like 26 percent of Australians who have fallen victim to online shopping scams.
According to research from cybersecurity company NordVPN, 19% of Aussies admit the security of websites is their lowest priority when shopping online while price is the biggest driver, with 35.5% of people choosing it as the thing they pay most attention to.
Amazingly of those who have previously experiences a scam, one in ten would still be prepared to hand over irrelevant information… like a tax file number or the name of their workplace and children to get a freebie or big discount online
Online shopping scams are a common problem that can catch even the most savvy shoppers off guard. These scams involve fraudulent websites or individuals who trick consumers into giving away their personal information or money.
One common type of online shopping scam is the “phishing” scam. This occurs when a scammer sends an email or message pretending to be from a legitimate company, asking the recipient to click on a link or provide personal information such as login credentials or credit card numbers. These scams often use convincing language and logos to appear legitimate, but the goal is to steal sensitive information.
Another type of online shopping scam is the “fake website” scam. This occurs when a scammer creates a website that looks like a legitimate online retailer, but is actually a fake site set up to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting shoppers. These fake websites may also offer fake or low-quality products at low prices, with the goal of taking money from the consumer without delivering the promised products.
To avoid online shopping scams, it’s important to be cautious when shopping online. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be wary of unfamiliar websites or emails asking for personal information.
- Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal, which offer additional protection for online transactions.
- Check for secure connections (look for “https” in the URL and a lock icon) when entering personal or financial information.
- Do research on the seller or website before making a purchase. Look for reviews or check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints or red flags.
By following these tips and using common sense, you can protect yourself from online shopping scams and have a safe and successful online shopping experience.
