The dangers of online shopping

Consumers find shopping on the internet easy and convenient, but it can provide an opportunity for criminals to commit card fraud from a distance in a non-face-to-face and non-confrontational environment. Online shopping scams involve scammers pretending to be legitimate online sellers, either with a fake website or a fake ad on a genuine retailer site. 

Scammers use the sophisticated technology to set up fake retailer websites that look like genuine online stores. They may use classy designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Number. Many of these websites offer luxury items such as clothing, jewellery and electronics at very low prices. Sometimes you will receive the item you paid for but they will be fake or dodgy quality, other times you will receive nothing at all. Scamwatch warns that scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card, or wire transfer, but if you send your money this way, it’s unlikely you will see it again or receive your purchased item. A newer version of online shopping scams involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores. They’ll often sell fake branded clothing or jewellery. After making a number of sales, the stores disappear. The best way to detect a fake trader or social media online shopping scam is to search for reviews before purchasing.

Financial fraud action UK has claimed that before entering sensitive information such as your card details online, you should always check that this information is being handled securely. Whenever you are typing in personal information, make sure that the web address begins with https the s stands for ’secure’. 

3 things to avoid when purchasing a product online: 

• A product is advertised at an unbelievably low price, or advertised to have amazing benefits or features that sound too good to be true.  
• The other party insists on immediate payment, or payment by electronic funds transfer or a wire service. They may insist that you pay up-front for vouchers before you can access a cheap deal or a give-away.
• The store may have limited information about delivery and other policies.

If you have been affected by fraud or you do not want to risk being affected, Manchester Shredding can be of service to you. Our business shredding services always occur on site to ensure there is total security compliance as well as to give you complete peace of mind. 

Source: Scamwatch June 2018
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
https://www.financialfraudaction.org.uk