Amazon Prime Day presents opportunities for shoppers who love a deal . However, cybercriminals also see this as a great opportunity to scam unsuspecting customers. To ensure a safe a secure online shopping experience, it is crucial to be aware of scams and follow safety tips.
With more Queenslanders doing their shopping online, it's important to stay scam aware and watch out for fake websites, too-good-to-be-true sales and ads, phishing emails and cold calls.
Some fake sites are designed to look just like the Amazon website and can look very convincing. Unwitting shoppers often reach them when they click on links in phishing emails, text messages or ads posted on social media. While it is easy to rush and get caught up in the hype, stop and think before you click – Ask yourself, "Is this a scam?"
Amazon calling you and telling you that there's a problem with your Amazon Prime membership or transaction and they need you details? Probably not, more than likely a scammer. Be aware of scammers asking you for information, or to pay money to fix the problem, or asking you to give them access to your computer or device.
Never give anyone remote access to your computer.
And don't forget about those fake delivery text messages. Do not click on the link. It is a scam.
Tips for safe Prime Day shopping from the Financial and Cyber Crime Group:
- Double-check domain names. If a site's address doesn't start with "Amazon.com," it could be a fake. The same goes for other online retailers. Look for misspellings, additional punctuation and anything else that might seem a little off in the address.
- For Amazon purchases, stick to the company's website and app. Amazon will never ask for payment over the phone, by text or by email. Amazon also won't ask you to make them by bank transfer or through a third-party site.
- Treat urgency with suspicion. A lot of Prime Day deals are limited-time, but any offer that says you need to buy right away needs a closer look. Cybercriminals are banking on you clicking before you think.
- Look for the lock. Ensure the website is secure before making payment. Look for the closed padlock symbol and make sure the website address begins with https (with an 's' for secure).
- Be wary if an online retailer does not provide adequate information about privacy, terms and conditions of use, dispute resolution or contact details.
- If it's too good to be true. Avoid products advertised at unbelievably low prices or advertised to have amazing benefits or features that sound too good to be true.
- Use a strong password and enable Two-Factor authentication.
- Report scam messages to Scamwatch.
- Take screenshots and save copies of documentation including receipts and confirmation emails.
To learn more about scams, visit https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
For online safety material, visit https://www.esafety.gov.au
Stay Informed and Vigilant, visit QPS R U In Control
If you have been the victim of a cybercrime, report it online at https://www.cyber.gov.au/report
If you believe or suspect your identification has been compromised contact IDCARE for advice and support at https://www.idcare.org/ or call 1800 585 160.
To build your confidence and stay safe online, visithttps://www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au
