Simple steps to help protect yourself from online fraud
Practical tips to secure your accounts, spot scams, and stay in control online.
5 min read
Avoid scammers when shopping online: essential tips for staying safe
December 16, 2025
In our increasingly digital world, online shopping has become integrated into daily life. With a few clicks, we can acquire anything from household essentials to one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, all without leaving the comfort of our homes.
However, as our reliance on e-commerce has increased, so too has the risk of falling for common scams. The recent surge in second-hand marketplaces also allows fraudsters to thrive in anonymity. Scammers are increasingly making their attempts more sophisticated and harder to spot, underscoring the need to stay vigilant.
So, how can savvy consumers protect themselves in this evolving digital landscape? Here are six crucial tips to keep your hard-earned money safe:
1. Vet the seller, not just the stuff
When browsing second-hand sites, don’t just focus on the product itself. Delve into the seller’s history and reviews – look for red flags such as low ratings, suspicious activity, or a particularly high volume of sales.
2. Inspect, inspect, inspect
Request additional photos or details about the item’s condition from the seller. Vague or evasive responses could mean they’re hiding flaws or defects.
3. Check the URL closely
Scammers can create realistic but spoof websites to trick unsuspecting shoppers. Double-check the web address and watch out for misspellings or unusual dots and dashes. Don’t share personal information on websites that don’t start ‘https://’ or don’t have the padlock icon in the address bar, depending on the browser.
4. Use secure payment methods
Avoid sending cash or personal information directly to the seller. Stick to reputable payment platforms which offer buyer protection and dispute resolution services.
5. If in doubt, give them a ring back
If you receive an unexpected call, tell them you’ll call them back. If it’s genuine, they won’t mind this – pressuring you to remain on the call could be a sign of a scam. Look up the official contact number before returning their call.
6. Trust your gut
If a deal seems too good to be true or the seller’s behaviour raises suspicion, it’s better to be safe and just walk away.
It’s important to stay one step ahead of online fraudsters. By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of e-commerce whilst keeping your money firmly in your own hands.
Be vigilant and think SCAM
Our Stop, Check, Act, Monitor (SCAM) approach is designed to help you protect what’s yours. Read our article to learn more.
For more information on what you can do to protect yourself from fraud, visit our security centre.
Other helpful links
We have prepared this information with care but it is not intended to be exhaustive.
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