Buying and selling scams

Online shopping has become a part of modern life, and many people love it.

But while you are searching for the best deals online, you're likely to come across scams.

And because they're so hard to distinguish from the real deal, it's important we take a closer look at what's going on.

Olivia is a regular online shopper, so she's a target for scammers.

They impersonate well-known retail websites or pose as sellers on social media and online shopping apps and marketplaces.

They offer products or services at low prices to create a sense of urgency with limited time offers.

So, it's important that Olivia, and you, are aware that things are not always what they seem.

Scammers can be extremely sophisticated.

They use stolen logos and design professional websites.

They can register an Australian domain website and even display a stolen Australian business number or ABN.

They also post fake ads and fake reviews to convince you they're real.

While online shopping scams can be very difficult to spot, sometimes there are warning signs.

Ask yourself, is the seller offering a product at an unbelievably low price?

Are links to information like terms and conditions absent from their website or not working?

Is the ABN or privacy policy missing?

Are the reviews mostly all positive or posted within a short period of time?

Are you being told that you must pay by unusual methods, like money order, gift cards, or cryptocurrency?

Another warning sign might be that you are asked to pay to several different pay IDs or accounts.

If you notice any of these red flags, it's usually a sign that the seller is a scammer.

It's important to never ever pay for an online product or service without first checking who you are dealing with.

Now, that Olivia is suspicious, she should stop what she's doing.

She can check by visiting the official site of the business she thinks she's dealing with by doing a browser search.

Don't assume the first search result that comes up is the real website, because the scam sites can also appear at the top of the list.

Excellent job, Liv, there is no sale.

Also, read independent reviews before buying and check the profile history of marketplace sellers.

Check the sellers contact page, if there are no contact details, it's likely a scam.

If there's an address check the organisation exists at the address on an online map.

(gentle upbeat music)

Now, protect yourself.

If you suspect you have been the target of a scam, call your bank immediately to stop any further losses, cut all contact with the seller, and report scams to Scamwatch.

Your report will help us to protect others.
 

Scammers are getting more devious and sophisticated in the way they steal personal information and money from businesses and their customers.

That's because high value business transactions are a lucrative way for scammers to make money.

One of the most common scams affecting Aussie businesses and their customers is the payment redirection scam.

So, let's look at it together.

In this scam, you are deceived into thinking the email you're looking at is from a real business, possibly one you've been dealing with and have been expecting a payment request from.

That's exactly what's going to happen to Nico.

He's going to be asked to transfer large sum, the deposit of his new home, to his conveyance's account, and everything seems to be in order.

But one thing will be changed.

The bank details won't be those of his conveyancer.

They're the bank details of the scammer.

And when Nico transfers the money, it'll be gone.

So be very careful.

Things are not always what they seem.

Because the scammer is posing as a real business Nico's recently dealt with, the email is not unexpected.

Not only that, the email may also be in the same message thread as the last communication that took place with the real business.

Scammers can also copy business logos and ABNs, making the scams even harder to spot.

These scams can apply to any type of high value business transaction.

For example, deposits for luxury travel or buying cars.

The upshot is you don't notice anything is wrong until later when the real business contacts you and ask for the money.

So the only way Nico can identify whether he's being scammed would be to stop and take the time to call the business he's dealing with.

So stop Nico before it's too late.

Now, double check the payment details are correct by using the contact details you found from the business' official website or secure app.

Don't use the contact details in the email as they might have been changed by the scammer.

Great call, Nico.

You've checked and avoided being scammed.

It's also important to be aware there are other scams out there that impersonate businesses and look legitimate,

like fake billing scams where you receive an invoice for goods and services from a regular supplier that you didn't order.

And finally, you should protect yourself.

Act quickly if you suspect you've been scammed.

Cut ties with the scammer and call your bank immediately to stop any further losses.

And report scams to Scamwatch.

Your report will help us to protect others.