By JONATHON HOWARD
CAPTION: Learn the tricks to avoid becoming a victim of cyber scams which have fleeced online shoppers of millions.
CYBER scammers are taking advantage of our love affair with online shopping, and the Office of Fair Trading is using National Consumer Fraud Week (17-23 June) to arm consumers with the know-how to beat the crooks.
The five key things you need to remember while online shopping are:
– Think twice – if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
– Find out what other shoppers say – make sure the person you are dealing with, and their offer, is the real deal.
– Protect your identity – your personal details are private and invaluable; keep them that way and away from scammers.
– Keep your computer secure – install software that protects your computer from viruses and spyware and make sure it is kept up-to-date.
– Only pay via secure payment methods – look for a web address starting with ‘https’ and a closed padlock symbol. Never send money or give your financial details to anyone you do not know and trust.”
For more information on scams visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or www.scamwatch.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
