Online shopping can be a convenient way to buy the things you want. To help you get the most out of internet shopping, we have some tips on how to protect yourself online.
First: Protect your own information online
Keep your devices up to date
If you’re going to shop online, make sure that the desktop, laptop, tablet or phone that you’re using has the latest updates installed. Also make sure that you have strong passwords – and use a different password for your devices and for your banking apps to the passwords that you use for other logins. Whenever possible use multi-factor authentication.
For tips on creating a strong password, see the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Use a trusted network
For anything money-related, use your home Wi-Fi or 5G cellular rather than public Wi-Fi. Even with your home Wi-Fi, ensure that your router is secured.
As a general tip whenever you're using a public Wi-Fi network, don't send or receive sensitive information — for example, don't log in to your online banking or use your credit or debit card.
Second: Check out the seller
Shop at trusted sellers
It’s relatively easy for someone to set up an online store that looks legitimate. And to post fake ads and fake reviews.
So, before you enter personal or payment details online, do some checks. If you haven't heard of the business, read independent reviews that aren't on the seller's website. If you have heard of the business and trust it, make sure you’re transacting through their genuine website and not a look-alike fake.
Read more about product and service scams and how to check websites.
Only use an official company app from the Apple Store or Google Play store.
Find out if the seller is overseas
If the seller is not in Australia, you may not have the same consumer rights. You might also find it hard to contact them for a repair, replacement or refund. For more information, see the ACCC website.
Make sure to check if you will be charged an international transaction fee by your credit or debit card provider – or by the overseas seller.
Know your rights as a buyer
Read the terms and conditions carefully, including:
- the returns policy
- postage or delivery fees
- any packaging or handling charges
- local currency costs, including currency conversion fees if the purchase is from overseas
- any international transaction fees
- any import duty or taxes
Third: Buy safely
Use secure payments
If you’re happy that your device is secure and the seller is genuine, next step is to make the transaction as secure as possible.
Pay for your items using PayPal, PayID, PayTo or a credit card. These are more secure ways to pay and offer another level of protection if something goes wrong.
Never use direct bank deposits, money transfers, or digital currencies like Bitcoin. It's rare to recover money sent this way.
And avoid saving payment information to an online shopping account.
Consider a separate card
As an extra safety precaution, you could consider getting a separate debit card specifically for online shopping. That way you can transfer money onto it when you’re about to buy something and otherwise keep the account balance low.
This can help minimise your loss if your card details are compromised after shopping online.
Record your online purchases
Keep a record of your online purchases, including photos and descriptions of the items. In particular:
- Make sure you receive an email confirming your purchase before closing your browser.
- Write down your receipt or reference number.
- Check that you've been charged the right amount.
Fourth: Stay alert
Check your bank statements
If you shop online, check your credit or debit card and bank statements regularly. Make sure you've been charged the right amount.
If you see something you don't recognise, this could be a sign that a scammer has your personal details. To find out the signs of a scam and how to report one, see banking and credit scams.
Online shopping is not the only cyber risk to be aware of. Know how to spot the signs of a scam.
Take care with buy now pay later
Buy now pay later service, like Afterpay, Humm or zipPay, let you pay for something in instalments. You might pay every fortnight, instead of paying the full amount upfront.
You don't pay interest on the purchase. Instead you’re charged fees. It’s easy to overspend or lose track of how much you owe. So make sure you can afford the repayments.
Find out about buy now pay later services.
What to do if something goes wrong
Sometimes, even when you're careful, things can go wrong:
- You don't get what you pay for.
- It's not in good condition.
- You've been overcharged.
Follow these steps to get a refund or exchange.
1. Know your rights
Visit the ACCC's page to find out about your rights as a customer.
2. Contact the seller
Check the seller's website for details on how to contact them or make a complaint. It may have been a mistake — if so, explain the issue to them and suggest how they can fix it.
3. Contact consumer affairs in your state
If you can't sort things out with the seller, contact the consumer affairs office in your state. They may be able to help you sort things out with the seller. You can also complain to the ACCC about the business.
4. Call your bank
If you used your credit or debit card to shop online but didn't get what you paid for, contact your bank. They may be able to give you a chargeback.
If you used a PayPal account, follow PayPal's dispute resolution process.
If you think you've been scammed report it to Scamwatch.