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Support / CommBank Safe / Online shopping scams

What are online shopping scams?

Scammers utilise online marketplaces or fake websites to list goods at low prices or with unrealistic discounts. Often these items are in demand or rare and might either be fake, counterfeit or never arrive at all. They can also pose as an interested buyer in an item you are selling.

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

Example: Mia’s online shopping deal that wasn’t real

Mia often shops online for her favourite clothing brand. One evening, she saw a sponsored ad on social media promoting a huge “warehouse clearance sale” offering up to 70% off. The ad looked real, it used the brand’s logo, product photos, and linked to a website that looked identical to the real one.

Mia placed an order and entered her card details. Soon after, she received a CommBank app notification asking if she’d made a payment of $800 to a company she didn’t recognise. It turned out to be a scam website impersonating her favourite brand. 

woman at desk looking to left

Example: Alex’s too good to be true marketplace deal

  • Alex is scrolling through an online marketplace looking for a second-hand phone. He finds a listing for the latest model, still in its box, selling for half the normal retail price. Alex checks the seller’s profile, it looks new, with only one or two reviews but they seem positive, so he decides to message the seller.

    The seller says there is “a lot of interest” and if Alex wants to secure the deal, he needs to pay immediately via bank transfer. The seller also says the offer will “expire in the next hour” because someone else is ready to buy. Feeling pressured, Alex sends the money, but the seller disappears, and the phone never arrives.

How to better spot an online shopping scam

Tips to help spot a shopping scam as a buyer 

Check if the site or seller is real
  • Check the URL for things that look odd such as typos, multiple dashes or symbols.
  • Look for an ABN and check it against the Australian Business Register website.
  • Do an internet search for the merchant, its online store and products. Never click links in emails, text messages or on social media.
Take your time to review the offer
  • If the price is too good to be true, it probably is - don't fall for unbelievably good offers.
  • Scammers will use 'limited offers' or sale 'countdowns' to create a sense of urgency and pressure you into making a purchase.
  • Check online reviews or social media, but remember some comments might be false. If you're using a marketplace, look at the seller's profile and reviews.
Check for unusual payment methods or requests
  • Be wary of requests to make extra payments to cover shipping, taxes, customs fees or insurance.
  • Scammers often request payment via gift cards, international wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
  • If buying through an online marketplace, always try to view an item in person before making a payment. Scammers often ask you to make a deposit before you've seen an item.

Tips to help spot a shopping scam as a seller

Carefully check payment receipts and emails; scammers will often forge these to indicate a payment has been made.

Ignore requests to “upgrade your PayID” or pay a PayID fee that involves sending money to a buyer. PayID is free to use.

Be wary of buyers who ask for a refund because they sent too much money.

Buyers who want to purchase something without seeing it first and offer to pay more than the advertised price are likely scammers.

Learn more about buying and selling scams

Learn more about buying and selling scams

Remember 3 simple steps: Stop. Check. Reject. 

    1. Stop
      Is the deal too good to be true? Have you heard of the website or seller before? The best thing to do is stop, take a breath. Real organisations won’t put you under pressure to act instantly.

    2. Check
      Research the seller. Check online reviews, the seller’s profile, past listings, or any contact info available. Check with a trusted friend or family member.

    3. Reject
      If you’re unsure, don’t make the payment. 

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.

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.