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Support / CommBank Safe / Online Shopping Scams

Scams targeting you when you buy something

  • Scammers are increasingly targeting online shoppers through digital marketplaces, social media ads and fake websites.

    They will often list items that are in-demand or rare such as tickets for concerts and events, pets, or home goods and furniture.

    What to look for:

    • Do an internet search for the merchant, its online store and its products to check their reviews.
    • Read the comments on a store’s social media ads to see what other people have to say about them (but remember that comments can be false, misleading or paid for).
    • Check whether the seller has a publicly viewable profile and if they have received past reviews as a seller.
    • Check whether the seller has other items listed. It may be a red flag if they have multiple listings for the same or similar items.
    • If the price is unbelievably low or seems too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Don’t rush or be pressured by ‘limited offers’ or end of sale ‘countdowns’ – scammers often try to create a sense of urgency.
    • Online stores or classifieds that request you use unsecure payment methods. These include wire or bank transfers, money orders, preloaded gift cards and cryptocurrencies. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to recover money sent this way.
    • Have you been asked to make additional payments to cover shipping, taxes, or insurance? These requests typically come after an initial payment and are framed as urgent or unexpected costs.

Scams targeting you when you sell something

  • As a seller, you could be tricked by fake payment receipts or overpayment scams, where fraudsters request refunds for money you never received.

    It is common for scammers to pose as interested buyers only to have issues sending you money via Pay ID. They then claim that you need “Upgrade your PayID” to solve the issue, which involves you sending money to the buyer. Never do this! PayID is free.

    What to look for:

    • Have you been asked to upgrade your PayID or pay a PayID fee? PayID is free, this is always a scam.
    • Be aware of fake emails or payment receipts where no money has been received.
    • Buyers who want to purchase something without seeing it first and are offering to pay more than the advertised price.
    • A buyer asks for a refund as they have sent too much money. 

A bargain or a scam? Learn more about buying and selling scams

A bargain or a scam? Learn more about buying and selling scams

How to protect yourself while shopping online

  • Is the deal too good to be true?
  • Have you heard of this website or seller before?
  • Are you being rushed or pressured into making a decision? 

  • Research the seller e.g. check online reviews, their profile, past listings, or any contact info available. Even images can be fake.
  • Look for https:// and a padlock icon in the browser bar, especially on payment pages. These show your connection is encrypted. But remember: a secure site isn’t always a safe site. Always verify the website before entering personal or payment details.
  • Monitor your statements and report any suspicious transactions immediately. Even small unauthorised charges can signal card fraud.
  • Navigate directly to an online store using your web browser, rather than by clicking a link in an email or on social media 

  • If it’s too good to be true, don’t make the payment. Scammers target in demand items, such as concert tickets.
  • Avoid paying upfront to unknown sellers. Where possible, pay after you’ve received the item or seen it in person. Never share your bank account details or passwords, or transfer a deposit without seeing what you’re buying first.

Think you've been scammed?

Message us immediately if you're worried about the security of your account. Our virtual assistant Ceba can help you lock your card or securely connect you to a specialist. 

How to message us

Get help

Case study

Jessie found an ad on social media for a weight-loss supplement endorsed by an Australian celebrity. The product was advertised for $29.99 and once she clicked the link, the website prompted her to enter her card details before confirming the final price. She was wary of this but decided to proceed. Once the transaction was processed, Jessie received an SMS from CBA asking if she’d made a payment of $166.43 to a company whose name she didn’t recognise. She’d been involved in a scam that advertised a product for one price and yet charged her a much higher one.

woman at desk looking to left

Been scammed? What next?

  • Get in touch

    If you are a CommBank customer and have been targeted or lost money as a result of being scammed, contact us immediately.

    Report it

    Report the scam via the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Reports may be referred to the police for possible investigation.

    Take control and stay protected

    Change your passwords and PINs straight away if you suspect your security has been compromised. Change these regularly as a preventative measure.

    Seek support

    Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160. IDCARE is a free, government-funded service that provides support to victims of identity crime.

    Visit the ScamWatch website for more information on scams.

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Important information

  • As the advice on this website has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on the advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances. View our Financial Services Guide. Terms and Conditions for these products and services are available online or from any branch of the Commonwealth Bank. The Terms and Conditions should be considered before making any decision about these products.