Shopping online can be cheaper and more convenient for you and for businesses. However, make sure you understand your rights and the risks before you shop online or bid in an online auction.
Safe online shopping tips
Pay securely
Don’t make any payment unless:
you’re on a secure website
and you can make a secure payment.
This will protect you against fraud and unauthorised credit card transactions.
A secure website address will always:
begin with ‘https://’, not ‘http://’display the image of a closed padlock (usually in the bottom right corner of your browser window).
Only make a payment if you can see both of these things.
Never give out your bank account details, credit card number or other personal details if you are not certain that the business is a reputable trader.
Know the business
Only buy from websites you know and trust. Check that the company has a physical street address and landline phone number. If the company operates from overseas, you might have trouble getting a refund or repair.
Know the product
Make sure you check whether:
the product is legal i.e legal to purchase in your country.
Check the contract
Make sure you read and understand:
the terms and conditions of sale the refund policy the delivery details returns and repairs policies, including any associated costs.
Check the full cost
Be aware of the full cost of your purchase. Additional costs may include:
currency conversiontaxespostage and delivery feespackaging.
It might end up being cheaper to buy the product at a local shop.
Protect your privacy
Only buy online if you are comfortable with a business’s privacy policy. Do not give out information unless they require it to complete the sale. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Beware of scams
Scammers target online shoppers. SCAMwatch gives information on how to protect yourself from online scammers.
Confirm the order
The business should ask you to confirm your order before paying.
Keep records
Always write down any reference numbers and print out copies of:
the order form (both before and after you confirm the order)receipts (can come by email or in a pop-up window).
Always make sure all charges are correct by checking the receipt against your:
credit card statementmerchant account statement (such as PayPal)bank statement.
The charges may be converted from another currency.
Address any problems
If you have any problems, contact the business right away. Most major sites have a dispute resolution process that you can use. If you are unhappy with the service call the customer care.
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