✅ 1. Be suspicious of “too good to be true” deals
Scammers love Christmas specials.
If the price looks unrealistically cheap, or stock seems unlimited when everyone else is sold out — it’s usually a scam.
✅ 2. Only shop from trusted websites
- Look for HTTPS (padlock symbol).
- Stick to known, reputable retailers.
- Avoid random ads on social media claiming “90% OFF Today Only!”
✅ 3. Don’t click unexpected emails or SMS links
Fake shipping notifications, fake Australia Post texts, “package held” messages — all common Christmas scams.
Go directly to the official website instead of clicking the link.
✅ 4. Use secure payment methods
Avoid:
- Bank transfers
- Direct deposit
- Gift cards (a huge red flag)
Use:
- PayPal
- Credit card (with chargeback protection)
✅ 5. Beware of fake charity scams
Scammers often pose as charities during the holidays.
Give through official charity websites, not via random Facebook links or door-to-door QR codes.
✅ 6. Protect your accounts
- Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA) on email, banking, and shopping accounts.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Never reuse your email password anywhere else.
✅ 7. Watch for “urgent” or “limited time” pressure
Scammers push urgency: “Buy now!”, “Last hour!”, “Your account will be closed!”
Anything rushed is a red flag.
✅ 8. Check seller reviews & pages carefully
Fake pages can look real.
Check:
- How long the page has existed
- Actual reviews (not just comments)
- Contact details (scammers often have none)
✅ 9. Keep your devices updated
Make sure your:
- Phone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Browser
are all up to date with security patches.
✅ 10. Be careful with online marketplaces
Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and eBay are full of holiday scammers.
Beware of:
- Buyers overpaying and asking for refunds
- Sellers asking for deposits
- “I’ll send a courier” scams
Meet in person where possible, and never send items before you’re paid.
🎁 Extra Tip: Educate family members
Scammers especially target:
- The elderly
- Teenagers
- Anyone who shops online without experience
A 5-minute chat can save them a big headache.
