While internet shopping offered convenience and choice, there were some red flags consumers should be aware of indicating an offer could be too good to be true.
These included very low prices and unusual payment options such as money order or wire transfer.
More tips for shopping safely online include:
- Read the terms and conditions and note any additional fees or cancellation charges before making a purchase.
- Check the delivery timeframes.
- Ensure the website is secure before making payment. Look for the closed padlock symbol and make sure the website address begins with https (with an ‘s’ for secure).
- Take screenshots and save copies of documentation such as receipts and confirmation emails.
- Be wary of clicking links in emails or social media messages as they may direct you to a fake site or download malware to your device to steal your personal information.
If consumers have problems with goods or services purchased from a business, NSW Fair Trading encourages them to approach the trader in the first instance to try to resolve the matter.
If this is unsuccessful, they can lodge an online complaint at NSW Fair Trading.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:
“People need to take steps to keep themselves safe from scams.
“Do not let a shopping scam turn Mother's Day from a day of celebration into one of disappointment.
“One of the best ways to detect a fake trader or online shopping scam is to search for independent reviews before buying.
“Fake sites can look very convincing. Please don’t trust a site just because you’ve seen it advertised or shared on social media.
“It’s also important to check the trader’s returns and refund policy.
“Most products and services have automatic consumer guarantees, which means you can get a remedy if a product is faulty, or if you receive the wrong item.
“Consumer rights apply whether buying online or in store.”