The number 1 online shopping scam in Australia

Are you aware of what the number 1 online shopping scam is in Australia?

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission it’s the purchase of puppies and other pets – so please beware on ‘Black Friday’ and other special sales days including over the festive period.

The top 10 products consumers are scammed from shopping online are:

1. Puppies and other pets
2. Shoes
3. Vehicles
4. Mobile phones
5. Laptops/computers ipads/drones
6. Clothing
7. Toys
8. Games/Nintendo/X-box/Jigsaw puzzles
9. Barbecues
10. Handbags/bags

As a result of COVID-19 and increased online consumer spending, losses to online shopping scams have increased 42 per cent this year across Australia.

Please do your research before purchasing. Visit the Scamwatch website for more information on online shopping scams: www.scamwatch.gov.au

WARNING – For those who love shopping for deals on ‘Facebook Marketplace’ and local platforms in Australia such as ‘Gumtree’, please exert caution and common sense and do your research. Losses from such online platforms have increased by 60% this year, to $4.5 million. (Source: scamwatch.gov.au)

Sharon Box

Founder, Owner and Lead Behavioural Investigator – Mind Hush Group.