The ACCC has warned Australians to remain vigilant against scammers this Christmas, with ‘online shopping scams’ stealing nearly $3 million, from over 8,700 reports this year.
“Scammers will take advantage of special days or major events like Christmas to fleece people of their money or personal information,” claims ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.
As Christmas draws near, the ACCC is warning against online shopping, travel and parcel delivery scams.
Rickhard claims there’s also been a “massive influx” of tax related scams, with 7,500 reports received in November and $400,000 lost.
Online shopping scams concern fake product listings on e-commerce sites or buying groups, designed to trick consumers to buy products which don’t exist.
Travel scams tricks consumers in thinking they’ve received a great holiday deal, only to discover inferior accommodation or a phoney prize – costing Aussies $135,000 this year.
Parcel delivery scams ask recipients to print off a label, view delivery status or claim a prize by clicking a link, or viewing an attachment – costing users $31,000 this year.
Rickhard asserts the key to avoiding holiday scams is a “healthy dose of scepticism and research.”
“Be sceptical about an online store you haven’t used before. Do some research to see if they’re legitimate and don’t be fooled by big discounts”
“With travel deals, call the accommodation provider directly, for example the cruise line or hotel, to check if the deal is legitimate.”
” If you’re wondering if a delivery notice is legitimate, check the tracking number at the Australia Post or other delivery company website, or call them directly using a number you find from an online search or the phone book.”
Further information is available on the ACCC’s or Scamwatch’s website here and here.