Keeping you and your money safe: shopping online this Christmas
Ahead of the festive season, many of us find online shopping to be a convenient way to buy gifts, but it’s important to stay alert and vigilant to protect yourself online.
Online scams are now a common threat. Did you know in 2025, Australians lost $259 million due to scams online (Scamwatch).
GMCU Fraud & Disputes Lead, Duane Cousins shares his top tips to staying safe when shopping online:
- Keep your devices up to date by having the latest updates installed and having strong passwords for all devices and accounts
- Use a trusted network such as your home Wi-Fi or 5G rather than public Wi-Fi
- Shop at trusted sellers by doing checks prior to make sure they’re genuine sellers
- Know your rights as a buyer by taking the time to ready the terms and conditions carefully
- Use secure payments such as PayPal, PayID PayTo or debit card to make the transaction as secure as possible
- Check your bank statements regularly to make sure you’ve been charged the right amount and if you see something you don’t recognise, it could be a sign that a scam has occurred
- Products that are for sale at an unusually low price compared to usual or other more reputable websites often indicate a scam
- Be wary of social media stores that are new, scammers like to post fake ads and fake reviews
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every year, but with a few simple precautions, you can shop online with confidence. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defence,” says Duane.
“Our members and community should be able to enjoy the festive season without worry. A little extra care when shopping online can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones.”
If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to Scamwatch and call us on 1800 MY GMCU or drop into your local branch.
Don’t let scammers take your joy this festive season.
Learn more at safety tips at: www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au or at scamwatch.gov.au
