Check before you buy online

These risks may include scams on websites and online marketplaces, and follow-up scams like fake delivery or parcel messages.

Scams can also happen after you’ve bought something, for example, through fake delivery messages. This is why it’s important to check before you pay. It only takes a minute to check before you buy which is much easier than trying to get your money back later.

Before you pay – quick safety checklist

• Do you trust the seller?
• Have you checked reviews?
• Is the total price clear (including delivery and fees)?
• Are you using a secure payment method?
• Does anything feel rushed or unusual - for example, pressure tactics like countdown timers or limited-time offers?

If you’re unsure, do not proceed with the purchase. Take time to check the seller or look for a more trusted retailer.

Types of online shopping scams

Common scams include:

• fake websites that look real but never deliver
• fake tracking numbers or “delivered” claims
• counterfeit goods sold as the real deal
• products that don’t match what was advertised (this may be a consumer rights issue rather than a scam)
• fake endorsements using celebrities or influencers
• hidden subscriptions or recurring charges
• surprise fees added at checkout
• fake or misleading “going out of business” sales
• fake delivery or parcel messages pretending to be from couriers (for example, asking for payment or personal details).

Some misleading online business practices can also cause problems, including:

• hidden fees
• fake discounts - prices that look heavily reduced but aren’t genuine (for example, the original price is inflated to make the “sale” look better)
• countdown timers and other “last minute” deals - these are designed to create pressure to buy quickly, even when the deal isn’t limited
• automatic subscriptions that difficult to cancel
• poor quality or unsafe products.

Red flags a website or seller may be a scam

Some indications a website or seller may be a scam are:

• prices are much lower than other sites
• poor spelling or unusual website address similar too, but not quite the same as who they say they are
• no official contact details or only email/social links
• payment requested by bank transfer or crypto
• pressure to act quickly (“last chance”, “only 1 left”)
• celebrity endorsements that seem dodgy
• new products going “viral” sold by non-branded sites.

How to avoid online shopping scams

Before you buy:

• take time before paying - don’t rush
• avoid pressure tactics like “limited time only”
• check seller reviews
• use a scam checker website (for example, Netsafe) to help confirm the business is legitimate
• to help confirm the business is legitimate
• don’t trust deals that seem too good to be true
• confirm the full price before paying, including delivery and fees.

Netsafe have a spam checking function on their homepage:

Home(external link) – Netsafe

Check the seller and payment before you buy

Before you click “pay now”, check:

• the business name, contact details, and location
• the website is secure (https and padlock symbol)
• delivery, return and refund terms are clear
• the seller looks legitimate - do not just rely on ".co.nz"
• you are using a secure payment method.

Use safer payment methods

• Pay by credit or with debit card
• Use trusted platforms with dispute processes
• Avoid bank transfers or direct payment

Some payment methods offer better protection if something goes wrong. For example, credit cards or secure payment platforms can make it easier to get your money back, while bank transfers or gift cards usually don’t. If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly - contact your bank and report it.

Protect yourself when buying privately online

You can protect yourself when buying from a private seller online by:

• doing the trade in person
• asking to see the items before sending payment
• being cautious if the seller delays or asks to change pick up details
• providing minimal personal details
• making payment through a trusted service or pay in cash.