Online shopping scams

Find out more about the seller. If the price is too good to be true, it may be a scam.

• Confirm that the seller company actually exists (use different sources).
• Ensure there is a business telephone number and/or email address.
• Check the seller has an Australian Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number.
• Find out if the seller’s reviews exist and are consistent. If they have bad or no reviews, do not buy from them.
• Incorrect spelling of their web address can mean it is not the website you think it is.
• Check that their privacy, terms and conditions and secure payment options exist and are clear.

Check the website you are shopping on.

• Before you pay for something online, make sure that the web address starts with ‘https://’, not ‘http://’. The ‘s’ means that the connection is secure.
• Do not click on any links shared by email. Instead, type the web address or search for the company by name.

Only provide the information you need to. No seller needs your Medicare details or Tax File Number.

Take precautions when making payment for your online purchase.

Protect your payment details

Before you pay, take steps to protect your card details.

• Do not use public computers for online shopping.
• Be aware of your surroundings and what can be seen on your screen.
• Do not share your passwords, account numbers or login details with anyone.
• Check your bank statements for unknown charges.
• As the buyer, start the payment process yourself. Do not click any links sent to you by the seller.

Check payment methods and delivery costs

While you are paying, read the details on the page carefully.

• Remember that cheques are not a secure method of payment.
• Safe payment methods are POLi Payments or PayPal. These payment types allow you to challenge and recover funds in some cases.
• Check the payment method requested. Scammers will often ask for payment through money order, a pre-loaded money card, Bitcoin or wire transfer.
• Do not pay unusually high delivery costs, especially after you’ve paid for goods.

Check who you are paying to

Do not pay until you are sure you are dealing with a legitimate business.

• Check their bank details on the invoice are correct and haven't been changed.
• Ensure the account name matches the business name you are paying your invoice to.
• If paying via PayID, check that the name on PayID matches the seller.
• Never send money or give credit card or online account details to someone you don’t know or trust.

Find more information about online shopping scams on Scamwatch(opens in a new window).

When buying items second hand, make sure you see the items and have them in your hands before you transfer funds.

Buying from online marketplaces

Exchange goods in a public place. A police station is a good exchange location.

• Do not buy items from an online marketplace without viewing them first.
• Ensure the items are placed in your hand first before making the payment.
• Safely exchange items at 35 special zones across Victoria. Find out more about Victoria Police's 24-hour Safer Exchange Sites and which police stations have them.

When taking payment from somebody:

• Do not hand over or post your items until funds have cleared into your bank account.
• Do not hand over items to a courier collecting on behalf of the buyer.
• Cover identifying marks in photos, for example car number plates.