How to avoid online shopping scams

In the first half of 2025, Australians reported more than 6,300 online shopping scams to Scamwatch: the highest of any scam type. Data shows scammers targeted people through fake websites, social media, and online ads.¹

That’s why people are being warned to watch out for scams when shopping online, particularly during peak times like Black Friday and Christmas.

Scam season is upon us

“Technology is helping scammers reach more people than ever before and we see scams becoming harder for people to detect,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.²

“Scammers are increasingly targeting people on websites and social media, knowing we’re all spending more time and money online.

“Taking just a few moments to verify a seller or offer can be the difference between a good deal and a devastating financial loss,” added Ms Lowe.

Shop on trusted sites

It can be easy to mistake a fake site for a genuine store. Slick designs and familiar logos give a realistic appearance, and promotions on social media enhance their authenticity.

Prices might even be heavily discounted, so if the deal appears too good to be true, it probably is.

If you haven’t dealt with the company before, check their contact details, ABN, refund policies and terms and conditions of sale. Once you’ve clicked through, check the web address – does it look weird? Have you been redirected away from the main page? A secure site will have a padlock and an https: at the start of the address.

If you’re in doubt, a quick search for customer reviews may unearth any dodgy interactions.

“Before buying from an unfamiliar seller or business, search their name along with terms like ‘review’, ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’ as this can quickly reveal any red flags from other consumers,” said Ms Lowe.³

Check social media

With the widespread reach of social media, retailers are using it as a sales platform. But before you click ‘Buy Now’, it’s worth doing a quick check.

When you’re shopping on Facebook, look for the blue tick next to the page’s profile name. This indicates it’s been verified by Facebook. If you’re shopping on Instagram, make sure the page is public. A genuine seller won’t make their page private.

Use traditional payment methods

A request to pay by direct deposit, a pre-loaded money card or a cryptocurrency is a major red flag, which can almost guarantee you’ll never see a product in return. It’s a good idea to use a secure payment method like PayPal or a credit card.

If you use PayPal, choosing the ‘payment for goods’ option rather than ‘family and friends’ will validate your Buyer Protection if there’s an issue with your purchase.

Never send your bank or credit card details by email or SMS. And don’t make payments through a public Wi-Fi service.

Related article: Do I need to update my home insurance when I buy something new?

Beware of parcel delivery scams

Cyber criminals are also sending fake delivery notifications, to trick you into giving your personal details or downloading malware to hack your accounts. Typically delivered through an email or SMS, notification messages are designed to come from a legitimate delivery service like Australia Post, DHL or FedEx.

They’ll claim you have an undelivered package, which will pique the interest of anyone who’s ordered goods online. So how do you distinguish between real and fake?

Real notifications will often address you personally and usually include a tracking number, along with details of the order and the seller.

Fake notifications may ask you to click on a link, and ask you to update or verify your personal information. They could even threaten to charge a fee for holding an undelivered item. A genuine delivery service will never do this. If you’re not sure, you can contact the seller.

What if I’ve been scammed?

If you believe an online retailer has defrauded you, try contacting them – there might be a genuine reason for the problem. If that doesn’t help, contact your bank, credit card provider or financial institution, and report the crime to Scamwatch.

At QBE, we’ve been protecting Australians for almost 140 years. Because at the heart of it, we’re committed to keeping you safe.

To learn more, visit the Scamwatch site.

¹ National Anti-Scam Centre calls for continued action this Scams Awareness Week as scam losses trend up at $174M | National Anti-Scam Centre
² National Anti-Scam Centre calls for continued action this Scams Awareness Week as scam losses trend up at $174M | National Anti-Scam Centre
³ National Anti-Scam Centre calls for continued action this Scams Awareness Week as scam losses trend up at $174M | National Anti-Scam Centre