Consumer Protection has urged Western Australia’s shoppers to be diligent during their Mother’s Day shopping — particularly if they venture online.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Trish Blake said people who relied on internet shopping for convenience and choice were warned to be aware that that was where scammers lurked.
“In 2022, WA ScamNet received reports from 274 online shoppers who lost a total of $876,774 to scams,” Ms Blake said.
“Similar numbers were reported in 2021 with 275 victims losing $728,982,” she said.
“It’s great to be able to purchase thoughtful gifts so easily, but people need to take steps to keep themselves safe from scams, including fake websites.”
She said fake sites could look very convincing and should not be trusted just because they were advertised or shared on social media.
“The best way to detect a fake trader or online shopping scam is to search for independent reviews before purchasing,” Ms Blake said.
“Other warning signs include very low prices and unusual payment options such as money order or wire transfer,” she said.
“It’s also important to check the trader’s returns and refund policy, as most products and services have automatic consumer guarantees, which means you can get a remedy if a product is faulty, or if you receive the wrong item.”
She said consumer rights also applied to gift cards, which were a popular option for Mother’s Day.
“Most gift cards must have a minimum three-year expiry period and the expiry date must be clearly displayed on the gift card or voucher. Buyers should check the terms and conditions of the card to ensure they suit the recipient,” the Commissioner said.
Mother’s Day is to be on Sunday, 14 May this year.
