SHOPPERS are being warned to steer clear of deals that look too good to be true.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning after it received more than 1000 reports of online shopping scams worth more than $150,000 this year.
These scammers are masquerading as legitimate online retailers, often selling known brands at heavily discounted prices.
The commission's deputy chair Delia Rickard said these fake websites looked like genuine online stores and usually included professional designs, stolen logos and even a ".com.au" domain name and stolen ABNs.
"The only thing these websites are selling is false hope," Ms Rickard said.
"The scammers running these sites will advertise goods, often well-known and trusted brands, at unbelievably low prices to lure unsuspecting consumers shopping around for a good deal. If something looks too good to be true, it probably isn't true."
Despite their professional designs, these websites often have tell-tale warning signs.
"The biggest tip-off is the method of payment: scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card, or wire transfer, even gift cards from well-known retailers. If you make a payment this way to a scammer, you're highly unlikely to see that money again," Ms Rickard said.
"We all love a bargain, the bigger the better, but scammers prey on this and will use the 'fear of missing out' to cloud your judgement. If in doubt, do a Google search on the website you're thinking of buying a product from. There are many great product review services that can tip you off to stay clear of a fake retailer," Ms Rickard said.
Scamwatch tips
- Do some independent research on a website you're thinking of buying a product from and check out reviews from other consumers.
- Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer, pre-loaded card or electronic currency. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you don't know or trust and never by email.
- When making online payments, only pay for items using a secure payment service-look for a URL starting with 'https' and a closed padlock symbol, or a payment provider such as PayPal. Think twice before using virtual currencies such as bitcoin-they do not have the same protections as other transaction methods so you can't get your money back once you send it.
- When using retail websites, find out exactly who you are dealing with. If it is an Australian company, you are in a much better position to sort out the problem if something goes wrong. You can check ABNs at: http://abr.business.gov.au/
- Check if the website site has a refund or returns policy, and that their policies sound fair. The better online shopping sites have detailed complaint or dispute handling processes in case something goes wrong.
- Avoid clicking on pop-up ads that can download viruses, spyware, malware, and other unwanted software to your computer.
Scams can be reported to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au
