How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

Brian from Mount Roskill

*Always type the website address directly into your browser rather than following links from ads or emails.
*Don’t click on links in promotional emails or texts you weren’t expecting.
*Credit cards and PayPal offer better consumer protection than direct transfers or gift cards.
*Ensure your security software is up to date to block malicious links, fake websites, and phishing attempts in real time.
*Be cautious of texts or emails claiming a missed delivery or asking for small “redelivery” fees. These often lead to fake sites designed to steal your payment details or install malware.
*Use anti-scam software to get complete protection against scams and spam.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
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If you suspect you’ve been caught in a scam, acting quickly can reduce the damage and protect your information.
Stop all contact immediately. Don’t respond to follow-up messages or send additional payments.
Contact your bank or credit card provider. Report the transaction and ask if it can be reversed.
Change your passwords. Prioritise those linked to financial accounts and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
Report the scam. Visit dia.govt.nz/Spam-Report-Spam to lodge a report and help authorities track emerging threats.
Monitor your accounts. Keep a close eye on bank statements and online profiles for any unusual activity.
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