According to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), more than 1000 reports were already made in 2017 dealing with online shopping scams worth more than $150,000 in total. 

ACCC is warning online shoppers in Australia to watch out for scammers posing as legitimate online retailers and brands selling objects at low prices. 

ACCC Deputy Chair Della Rickard said that scammers set up fake websites to look like online stores, using professional design, stolen logos, “.com.au” domain name and even stolen ABNs. She added that the fake retailer websites may look almost exactly like the legitimate sites. 

“The scammers running these sites will advertise goods, often well-known and trusted brands, at unbelievably low prices to lure in unsuspecting consumers shopping around for a good deal,” Ms Rickard said. 

Method of payment is the biggest tip off for a fake online store. They may ask you to make an up-front payment in forms of pre-loaded money card, wire transfer, electronic currency, international funds transfer and even with gift cards. 

When making an online payment, the URL starting with the “https” should have a closed padlock symbol next to it, or it should go through PayPal. 

Moreover, online consumers can check ABNs of Australian company sites at: http://abr.business.gov.au/.

“If in doubt, do a Google search on the website you’re thinking of buying a product from. There are many great product review services that can tip you off to stay clear of a fake retailer,” Ms Rickard said.