The Process

Are you clear about the payment and delivery processes including method and important dates? Does the seller have a complaints procedure in place for if things go wrong? Do they provide customer support for any queries or problems? Is the sale a done deal when you click the ‘I agree’ or ‘I accept’ button?

The cost - total

Make sure you know the total cost of your planned purchase. Does the advertised price include delivery, insurance and handling costs? Do you need to convert the price to Australian dollars?  Are there any taxes or duties? Once you know the total cost, ask yourself if you are still getting value for money – compare prices.

The payment

Only go ahead with the purchase if you are comfortable with the payment method. If paying electronically, make sure that the seller uses a secure payment system that encrypts your financial details. Look out for a padlock symbol and the web address starting with https:// - this indicates a secure payment process is being used. However, be aware that scammers may be able to reproduce symbols to give you the impression that a fake website is secure. If you have doubts, it is safer not to proceed.

The paperwork

Make sure you have a copy of any forms, emails, documents or webpages you have filled in, read or received – they are a record of the sale and will come in handy if something goes wrong. This includes the advertisement, pictures, any policies (privacy, security or refund), the terms and conditions, buyer questions, receipts and payment forms.

Have you taken steps to protect yourself from online scams?

Consumers aren’t the only people enjoying online shopping – scammers do too. Online scammers rip off unsuspecting buyers with scams that are especially designed to take advantage of the way the internet works.

Stay one step ahead of the scammers. Visit scams and online shopping webpage, as well as the SCAMwatch website to learn more about online shopping scams, how to protect yourself, and report scams.