Online shopping and Phishing scams

With the festive season almost here, we want to remind you to stay vigilant when it comes to online shopping and phishing scams. As you prepare to buy gifts for your loved ones, it's crucial to avoid the traps of seemingly great deals that, in reality, could be scams aimed at tricking you into thinking you're buying genuine products.

We share essential tips and red flags to help protect yourself from online shopping and phishing scams. Whether you're shopping for the festive season or preparing for major sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we've got you covered.

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What do Online shopping scams look like?

Online shopping scams are a type of phishing scam where fraudsters pose as legitimate sellers or businesses, offering deals that may sound too good to be true. Scammers often mimic reputable brands or platforms, tricking unsuspecting shoppers into believing they're getting a great deal.

Here are some common tactics scammers use to deceive victims:

• Fake websites: Scammers create websites that look like well-known retailers, often with minor changes in the URL that go unnoticed. They use logos, product images, and layouts similar to genuine sites to lure you into purchasing non-existent or low-quality goods.
• Too-Good-To-Be-True deals: If the price of a product is far lower than what other retailers are offering, be cautious. Scammers often tempt shoppers with massive discounts to encourage quick purchases before you realise something’s wrong.
• Payment methods outside the usual channels: Scammers may ask you to pay via direct bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards instead of using secure payment methods like credit and debit cards or PayPal. These payment methods are difficult to trace, and once the money is transferred, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

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Red flags to watch for

While online shopping can be convenient and cost-effective, it’s important to recognise the warning signs of a potential scam:

• Unfamiliar Domain names: Double-check the website’s domain name. Scammers often make slight alterations to popular website addresses, such as using ".net" instead of ".com" or adding extra characters.
• Unsecured website: Always check if the website URL begins with "https" and has a padlock symbol next to it. A website without these security features is risky to shop from.
• Grammar and spelling: Be mindful – with the development in AI technology, gone are the days that fraudulent websites, email and SMS are easily detected due to poor spelling and grammar. Websites and communications are appearing more professional.
• No contact Information or vague details: Be wary of websites that don’t provide clear contact information, such as a physical address or customer service phone number. Scammers often avoid giving these details.
• Pressure to pay quickly: Scammers will often try to rush you into making a purchase by saying the deal is about to expire. This tactic is designed to push you into acting without thinking.
• Suspicious customer reviews: Fake websites often display reviews that seem overly positive, vague, or repetitive. If all reviews are glowing and lack detail, it’s a potential red flag.
• Unfamiliar Domain ames: Double-check the website's domain name. Scammers often make slight alterations to popular website addresses, such as using ".net" instead of ".com" or adding extra characters.

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How to protect yourself from Online shopping scams

To help you stay safe during the festive season, follow these tips:

• Don’t click on suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links sent via unsolicited emails, texts, or social media messages. Scammers often use phishing tactics to direct you to fake websites.
• Be cautious with ads on Social Media: Scammers often use social media platforms to promote fake products or deals. If an ad catches your attention, go directly to the retailer’s official website instead of clicking on the ad.
• Research the seller: Before making a purchase, do a quick search for reviews about the website or seller. Look for feedback from other customers, check independent review sites, and verify the business's legitimacy.
• Verify the website’s security: Check for "https" at the start of the URL and ensure there is a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. If these are missing, avoid entering any personal or financial details.
• Use secure payment methods: Always use credit or debit cards or secure payment platforms like PayPal when shopping online. These offer added protection, including the ability to dispute charges.
• Monitor your bank statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately.

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Online Classified Ads

Online marketplaces and classifieds platforms offer a convenient way to buy, sell, and trade items locally. However, they’ve also become a breeding ground for scammers who prey on unsuspecting users. These scams can range from fake listings to obtain a payment to fake buyers contacting sellers and asking the seller to make a payment to a delivery service on their behalf claiming it will be reimbursed in the purchase price.

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Classified Red flags

• Be cautious of goods marked at extremely low prices. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use reputable platforms that offer some buyer protections such as buyer ratings and dispute resolution.
• Be cautious of third parties insisting of moving communications away from the platform and provide vague or suspicious information.
• Avoid payment transfers prior to inspecting or collecting the item as these are difficult to recover if you’ve been scammed. Stick to cash on delivery/ pick up, or PayPal and Debit cards that offer buyer protection.
• Meet in person: Whenever possible meet the buyer or seller in a public well-lit place to inspect the item and exchange payment. Local Police stations offer a safe zone.

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Phishing scams: what you need to know

Phishing scams are another threat to be aware of during the festive season. These scams often involve fraudsters sending fake emails, texts, or messages that appear to be from trusted retailers, delivery companies, or even your bank.

Here are some signs of a phishing scam:

• Generic communication: Be cautious of emails containing links advising you of a delivery that are not personalised and lack details of the products that you ordered. Always refer back to your original email receipt from the merchant when seeking delivery or tracking information.
• Unexpected communication: You receive an email or text claiming there's a problem with an order you never made, asking you to click a link or make a small payment via card to resolve the issue.
• Suspicious Sender Information: Phishing emails often come from addresses that don’t match the official email domain of a retailer or business.
• Requests for Personal Information: No legitimate business will ask for your passwords, PINs, or credit card information via email or text.

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How Qudos Bank can help

At Qudos Bank, we’re committed to helping our members stay safe. If you’ve fallen victim to an online shopping or phishing scam, contact us immediately at 1300 747 747 so we can assist you in securing your account and taking the necessary steps to protect your finances.

Remember, staying vigilant and following these tips can help ensure your festive season is filled with joy rather than frustration. Stay safe, and happy shopping!

Stop, Think, Protect