CUA tips to safe online Christmas shopping
01 December 2009
With the Christmas season already upon us, many people will be purchasing gifts online. Online shopping can be a safe and time-saving activity but it’s important to ensure you shop online safely and securely. Credit unions and building societies, in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), are committed to help inform Australians on how to maximise the benefits of online shopping and minimising the risks.
“Online shopping is easy and saves lots of time,” said CUA CEO Chris Whitehead. “However, it’s important to be aware of the risks so you can shop online safely and securely.”
There are some easy tips you can follow to ensure your shopping experience is memorable for all the right reasons:
- Always use web browser protection, install and run security software with real-time live updates and update your operating system to ensure you are protected from vulnerabilities;
- Be sure to read your shopping website's refund and returns policies, privacy policy and legal notices in case you need to return the goods or have a problem
- Don’t click on links in emails from online retailers or online greeting cards as they may result in malware being downloaded onto your computer.
- Make sure the site you are shopping on is using encryption and is up front about where and how your details are stored;
- Never give a date of birth or other personal identifiers. Never give out too many details as the more details provided the greater the risk of identity fraud happening. Online retailers only ever require basic contact details (e.g. name, billing address and contact number) and card details in order to process a credit/debit card payment;
- Always keep records of the transaction, including the product description, price and the receipt of payment;
- If you purchase goods online from overseas ensure it is a reputable trader, uses encryption technology and can be contactable if problems arise;
- Check your debit and credit card statements regularly and ensure you refer immediately any unauthorised activity to your mutual building society or credit union.
Commander Neil Gaughan, Acting National Manager of the AFP’s High Tech Crime Operations, said, “Shopping online, while often a convenient and cost effective way to purchase products, requires consumers to safeguard their personal information as they would shopping at a physical store. Consumers need to ensure they protect their personal and financial information to prevent fraud and the disappointment of financial loss when goods are not received,”
“Taking basic precautions to protect your personal information through the use of reputable anti-virus products, updating your computer’s operating system and not clicking on links contained in unsolicited emails will reduce the chance of your information being compromised” he said.
