Online Shoppers Warned to Stay Vigilant Against Scams
New South Wales authorities are urging consumers to exercise caution when shopping online, especially as scammers increasingly employ tactics to pressure quick purchases before authenticity can be confirmed. While Australian Consumer Law offers protection for domestic online transactions, recovering funds from overseas-based scammers remains challenging.NSW fair Trading and ID Support NSW are highlighting the importance of thorough research before making any online purchase. Shoppers are advised to investigate the seller’s legitimacy and utilize secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, which offer buyer protection mechanisms. A key warning is to be skeptical of deals appearing significantly below market value – if it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Consumers who beleive they have been targeted by a fraudulent online shop shoudl retain all receipts and screenshots of communication as evidence when filing a complaint with NSW Fair Trading.
To further assist the public, ID Support NSW is hosting a free 30-minute webinar on August 27th as part of Scams Awareness Week 2025. The webinar will cover identifying, avoiding, and reporting scams.Registration is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/events-hub/events/scams-awareness-week-2025-webinar.
A free online shopping module, offering guidance on recognizing fake websites, avoiding scams, and understanding recourse options, is also available from ID Support NSW at https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/learn/learning-modules/online-shopping.
Comprehensive advice on identifying scam messages, managing privacy settings, securing devices, and monitoring financial accounts – including the option to request a temporary credit ban – can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw/be-prepared.
Consumers experiencing issues with a business are encouraged to lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online at http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint or by calling 13 32 20.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib emphasized the need for caution, stating, “it’s worth taking the time to be sure you are not being scammed and we want everyone to take a moment to stop, check, and protect themselves and their loved ones against scams. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, targeting people through social media, messaging apps and impersonating trusted organisations. Phishing scams remain the most frequently reported in NSW, and are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so trust your instincts if something feels amiss.”
Minister for Better regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack chanthivong added, “Consumer protection is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government. When a business operates within Australia, NSW Fair Trading can intervene to resolve issues arising from misleading or fraudulent activity. Purchases from private sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace present heightened risks,so consumers should exercise extra vigilance. NSW Fair Trading recommends purchasing from established retailers and being cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online sellers.Reporting scams to the ACCC via the Scamwatch website is crucial, as it helps protect others and supports national efforts to disrupt scam operations.”
