HOLIDAY SHOPPING ONLINE? HOW TO SPOT AND AVOID THE TOP 5 CHRISTMAS SCAMS

As the holiday season approaches, online shopping in Australia reaches its peak, bringing not just cheer and joy but also a heightened risk of scams. With digital transactions soaring, it’s more important than ever for ADF members and their families to be vigilant against sophisticated Christmas scams. With Australians increasingly falling prey to cleverly disguised scams, understanding and recognising them is the first step towards a safe and merry shopping experience. 

Understanding the Risk 

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), online shopping fraud has seen a noticeable uptick, particularly during high-traffic periods like Christmas. In 2024, the ACCC reported that Australians lost over $3.46m to online shopping scams, with a significant portion of these losses occurring during the holiday season. These scams range from fake online storefronts to counterfeit products and misleading deals. While investment and cryptocurrency scams represent a substantial portion of overall losses each year, it’s the everyday consumer scams during the Christmas shopping spree that often go unnoticed yet significantly impact individuals. This trend underscores the need for heightened vigilance among shoppers as they navigate digital marketplaces filled with both legitimate deals and cunning traps set by scammers.

Common Christmas Scams

Fake Online Stores and Websites 
The rise of counterfeit e-commerce sites is alarming. These sites often lure shoppers with high-end products at significantly reduced prices. However, once a purchase is made, the item never arrives, or a counterfeit product is delivered instead. To avoid this, check for HTTPS in the website URL, look for trust seals, and research the site’s reputation through independent review platforms. 

Phishing Emails and Messages 
A classic yet increasingly sophisticated scam involves emails or messages that mimic legitimate companies. One common example is an email disguised as a delivery notification, asking recipients to click on a link to track their package. This link then leads to a fraudulent website designed to harvest personal and financial information. Always verify the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. 

Social Media Shopping Scams 
Scammers are exploiting social media platforms to promote fake products or discounts. They often create fake profiles or hijack existing ones to post fraudulent ads. A common scam involves scammers advertising high-demand products, like gaming consoles, at low prices. Once payment is made, the product is never delivered. To stay safe, verify the seller’s profile, check for user feedback, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. 

Charity Donation Frauds 
Exploiting the season of giving, scammers set up fake charity websites or send emails soliciting donations for non-existent causes. They often use emotional appeals and high-pressure tactics. Before donating, verify the charity’s credentials through the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, and avoid making donations through wire transfers or cryptocurrencies. 

Gift Card Scams 
Gift card scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. In one common scenario, scammers pose as representatives from a government agency or a utility company, demanding payment via gift cards. They might also sell fake or already used gift cards online. Always purchase gift cards directly from reputable retailers, and be wary of anyone demanding payments via gift cards. 

Tips for Safe Online Shopping: The Importance of Personal Vigilance 

In the digital age, where convenience often trumps caution, the onus of safeguarding our online activities, especially shopping, rests heavily on personal vigilance. It’s a stark reality that the biggest vulnerability in the realm of cyber security is us – the humans. Scammers deftly exploit our tendency to overlook minor details, our haste in clicking on links, and our often misplaced belief that ‘it won’t happen to me’. 

The truth is, scammers bank on the coincidences of everyday life. They prey on the likelihood that at any given moment, many of us are either eagerly anticipating a package delivery or have been considering a purchase. It’s in these moments of expectation or desire that we’re most vulnerable. A cleverly crafted phishing email or a well-timed fraudulent ad can easily trap even the most vigilant among us. 

In our fast-paced lives, where a single click can lead to a multitude of outcomes, taking a moment to pause and scrutinise can make all the difference. Some top tips include: 

Double-Checking Sources 
Before clicking on any link, especially in emails or text messages, take a moment to verify the source. Check the email address or the link’s destination. If in doubt, visit the official website directly by typing the URL in your browser. 

Being Aware of Current Scams 
Keeping abreast of the latest scam trends can help you recognise and avoid them. Regularly visiting sites like Scamwatch can provide valuable insights. 

Educating Yourself
Understanding the basics of online security, such as the mechanics of phishing scams and the red flags of fraudulent websites, can significantly reduce the risk of falling for a scam.

Staying Cautious with Personal Information 
Be judicious about the amount and nature of personal information you share online. Scammers often piece together information from various sources to create more convincing scams. Do not overshare personal information like your birthdate, address, or financial details on social media or untrusted websites. 

Use Secure Payment Methods 
Use credit cards or secure online payment services. Credit cards often offer better protection against fraud compared to debit cards. 

Update Security Software 
Ensure that your computer and smartphone have the latest security software, web browsers, and operating systems. 

Strong Passwords and 2FA 
Use complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords. 

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions 
Public Wi-Fi networks are less secure. Avoid making any financial transactions while connected to them. 

Monitor Bank Statements 
Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions. 

Be Sceptical of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals 
Scammers often use unbelievable deals to lure victims. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. 

What to Do If You Encounter a Scam 

If you suspect any Christmas scams this year, immediately report it to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via the Scamwatch website. Contact your bank if you have made any payments to suspicious entities. You can also report the scam to the Australian Cyber Security Centre for further guidance. If you require more assistance, please contact our team via our website.