Online scams rise: How to stay cyber safe this holiday spending season

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales ramping up and Christmas not far off, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has urged online shoppers to be extra vigilant.
According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, online shopping scams have increased by a massive 42% in 2020.
The platform revealed that it has received over 12,000 reports of scams this year, equaling nearly $7 million in losses so far.
The ACCC’s deputy chair Delia Rickard says that due to COVID-19 restrictions, more people have turned to shopping online. She says that scammers are now narrowing in on people doing Christmas shopping, including those jumping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
“Scammers create fake websites that look like genuine online stores, offering products at very low prices and victims will either receive a fake item or nothing at all,” Rickard said.
“They also post fake ads on classified websites, often claiming they are travelling and someone else will deliver the goods, but the item never arrives and the victim can no longer contact the seller.”
Similarly, the losses due to scams on popular second hand websites like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree have skyrocketed to $4.5 million (an increase of 60%).
How can I stay safe when shopping online?
If you plan to get your holiday shopping done online this year, you’ll need to be careful about where you make your purchases.
Having knowledge of how to safeguard things like your credit card or debit card details, as well as other logins, could save you from being scammed.
Security awareness advocate APAC at KnowBe4, Jacqueline Jayne says it’s important that if you suspect any fraudulent activity with your credit card number, to contact your bank immediately.
But there are some ways to reduce the risk of being scammed in the first place.
“These fraudulent purchases can use up available credit or get cards locked down for fraud, keeping consumers from doing the shopping they need to get done,” she said.
“In addition, the hassle and stress of dealing with stolen credit card information or fraudulent purchases is not something anyone needs to be dealing with during the holidays.”
So with help from KnowBe4, here are some handy tips to safely shopping online this Christmas:
- Use unique usernames and passwords: This may seem like a chore but it’s worth it as scammers can log in to multiple websites if they have the same password. Plus, you can use a password manager on your device to create and manage your different details.
- Enable two-factor authentication: By setting up this feature, it means you will have to enter a code (sent via text or email) after you enter your login details. This creates another safeguard against anyone trying to hack into your account.
- Check if there is a padlock next to the URL of a site: If there is a padlock on the site you are entering your details, it means the site is secure. Alternatively, if there is no symbol then don’t risk entering in any of your information.
- Question good deals: Something looks too good to be true? Be skeptical. Do thorough research on the retailer and also compare the price of the same or similar items from a reputable retailer. If the price is way too low, it’s likely it’s dodgy.
- Go with who you know: Buying from online retailers you have shopped with before, or even sticking to big brand names, is an easy way to avoid questioning how legit a certain site is. These types of sites often also offer a secure and encrypted connection for transactions.
If you need a credit card to suit your online shopping needs this holiday season, check out some options below or head to our credit card comparison hub for more.
Compare Credit Cards - last updated 13 August 2022
-
Apply By 31 Oct 2022
Westpac Low Rate - Cashback Offer
Enjoy a super low rate of 13.74% with 55 days interest free plus up to $200 cashback - $50 cashback for each month you spend $1,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 4 months from card approval. New Cards only. T&C's and exclusions apply.
Purchase rate
13.74% p.a.Balance transfer rate
6.99% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)Annual fee
$59Rewards program
-CompareCompareLow Rate - Cashback Offer
Enjoy a super low rate of 13.74% with 55 days interest free plus up to $200 cashback - $50 cashback for each month you spend $1,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 4 months from card approval. New Cards only. T&C's and exclusions apply.
- Purchase rate
- 13.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 6.99% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
- Annual fee
- $59
- Rewards program
- Purchase rate
- 13.74% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 6.99% p.a. for 12 months and then 21.49% p.a. (1.00% balance transfer fee)
- Cash advance
- 21.49% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $59
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3%
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Low Rate - Cashback Offer
-
Virgin Money No Annual Fee Card
Virgin Money No Annual Fee for the life of the card. 0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to ongoing purchase rate) and balance transfers (reverts to cash advance rate).
Purchase rate
0% p.a. for 12 months then 18.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 12 months and then 20.99% p.a.Annual fee
$0Rewards program
-CompareCompareNo Annual Fee Card
Virgin Money No Annual Fee for the life of the card. 0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to ongoing purchase rate) and balance transfers (reverts to cash advance rate).
- Purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 12 months then 18.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 12 months and then 20.99% p.a.
- Annual fee
- $0
- Rewards program
- Purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 12 months then 18.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- 0% p.a. for 12 months
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 12 months and then 20.99% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 20.99% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.30%
- Annual card fee
- $0
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2.7%, Min $2.70
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the No Annual Fee Card
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Credit Card Provider of the Year - 2021
American Express Qantas Ultimate Card
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points (75,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 23 August 2022, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months, plus an additional 25,000 Qantas Points in your second year upon fee renewal). T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
Purchase rate
20.74% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$450Rewards program
Qantas Frequent FlyerCompareCompareQantas Ultimate Card
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Qantas Points (75,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 23 August 2022, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months, plus an additional 25,000 Qantas Points in your second year upon fee renewal). T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $450
- Rewards program
- Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 44
- Intro fee
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $450
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Qantas Ultimate Card
-
Virgin Money Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Get in the air with a $129 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher each year. 0% p.a. for 28 months on balance transfers.
Purchase rate
20.74% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 28 months and then 20.99% p.a.Annual fee
$129 $0 in the first yearRewards program
Velocity Frequent FlyerCompareCompareVirgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer
Get in the air with a $129 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher each year. 0% p.a. for 28 months on balance transfers.
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 20.99% p.a.
- Annual fee
- $129 $0 in the first year
- Rewards program
- Velocity Frequent Flyer
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 28 months and then 20.99% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 20.99% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.30%
- Annual card fee
- $129 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
- 2.7%, Min $2.70
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Virgin Australia Velocity Flyer Card - Balance Transfer Offer
-
Apply By 31 Aug 2022
St.George Vertigo - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 32 months on balance transfers requested at card application. 0% balance transfer fee applies. Rate then switches to applicable variable cash advance rate. No annual fee for the first year, $55 thereafter. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
Purchase rate
13.99% p.a.Balance transfer rate
0% p.a. for 32 months and then 21.49% p.a.Annual fee
$55 $0 in the first yearRewards program
-CompareCompareVertigo - Balance Transfer Offer
0% p.a. for 32 months on balance transfers requested at card application. 0% balance transfer fee applies. Rate then switches to applicable variable cash advance rate. No annual fee for the first year, $55 thereafter. New cards only, Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply.
- Purchase rate
- 13.99% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 32 months and then 21.49% p.a.
- Annual fee
- $55 $0 in the first year
- Rewards program
- Purchase rate
- 13.99% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- 0% p.a. for 32 months and then 21.49% p.a.
- Cash advance
- 21.49% p.a.
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- 0.0
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $55 $0 in the first year
- Late payment fee
- $15.00
- Cash advance fee
- 3%
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Vertigo - Balance Transfer Offer
-
Apply By 31 Aug 2022
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Credit Card Provider of the Year - 2021
American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card
Receive a $200 credit on your Card when you spend $200 or more at Amazon.com.au within the first 3 months plus get 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 31 August 2022, are approved and spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
Purchase rate
20.74% p.a.Balance transfer rate
No current offerAnnual fee
$195Rewards program
Membership RewardsCompareComparePlatinum Edge Credit Card
Receive a $200 credit on your Card when you spend $200 or more at Amazon.com.au within the first 3 months plus get 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 31 August 2022, are approved and spend $3,000 within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Annual fee
- $195
- Rewards program
- Membership Rewards
- Purchase rate
- 20.74% p.a.
- Intro purchase rate
- -
- Balance transfer rate
- No current offer
- Cash advance
- Interest free days on purchases
- 55
- Intro fee
- Foreign exchange margin
- 3.00%
- Annual card fee
- $195
- Late payment fee
- $30.00
- Cash advance fee
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Platinum Edge Credit Card
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Credit Card Awards
Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.
While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.