Consumer Protection is warning that scammers are gearing up to take advantage of the Christmas shopping season which in recent years begins with the Black Friday sales on the Friday following United States Thanksgiving Day (27 November).
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Lanie Chopping said with people doing more of their Christmas shopping online, scammers would be out to take people’s money with fake retailer websites, social media pages and classified ads.
“So far this year scammers have stolen a staggering $1.1 million from 418 WA victims in ‘buying and selling scams’ which, according to new figures from WA ScamNet, more than triples the losses from the whole of 2019 when 255 victims reported total losses of $319,100,” Ms Chopping said.
‘Scammers use the latest technology to set up fake retailer websites and social media pages that look like genuine online retail stores.”
She said the scammers used sophisticated designs and layouts, possibly stolen logos, and even a ‘.com.au’ domain name and stolen Australian Business Numbers.
“The biggest tip-off that it’s a scam-site is the payment method — scammers will often ask you to pay using a money order, pre-loaded money card or via a money transfer,” Ms Chopping said.
“Online auction sites like eBay have strict policies to ensure their customers are not scammed and scammers know this, so they will often try to get people to make a deal outside the auction site.”
She said classified scams trick buyers into thinking they are dealing with a legitimate seller.
“Scammers pose as genuine sellers and post fake ads on classifieds websites, in print classifieds, and may approach you through email or on social media platforms,” Ms Chopping said.
“To lure victims in a hurry, the scammer may advertise items at a price much lower than comparable items advertised on the same site.”
She said the best way to avoid being scammed was to shop at a bricks-and-mortar store and support local businesses who had been doing it tough this year.
