Three checks. Zero regrets.
A great online shopping deal can be hard to resist. But scammers are counting on you to act fast.
Before you click "buy", take a moment to check:
These 3 quick checks only take a few minutes and could help you avoid scams, protect your personal information and shop with confidence.
Check who you're buying from
A professional-looking website doesn't always mean a business is genuine.
Before you buy from a business you've never used before, take a moment to find out who you're dealing with.
Check:
- the business name and contact details
- whether the business has a physical address or information about where it operates
- whether you can find information about the business from sources other than its own website.
Use a scam checker tool to check for fakes
Drop the URL of an online shop straight into one of these scam checker tools to get security information about the site before you buy.
If you can't confidently verify who you're buying from, consider shopping elsewhere.
Check what other customers are saying
Reviews can help you spot warning signs before you buy, but not all reviews are genuine.
Look beyond the seller's website and search for independent reviews on:
- social media
- review websites.
Look for:
- reviews that describe real customer experiences
- comments about delivery, product quality or customer service
- a mix of positive and negative feedback.
Be cautious if you notice:
- multiple complaints about missing orders
- reviews that contain very little detail
- large numbers of similar reviews posted around the same time.
If you can't find trustworthy feedback, treat it as a warning sign.
How to spot fake and misleading online reviews
Online reviews can help you decide whether a seller is trustworthy, but not all reviews are genuine. Learning how to identify fake or misleading reviews can help you make more informed decisions and avoid scams.
For more information on how to spot if an online shopping review is legit, visit
Check how you're paying
The way you pay can make a difference if something goes wrong.
Before you pay:
- use a credit card or secure payment service where possible
- check what protections your payment method provides
- keep your order and payment confirmation records.
Be cautious if a seller:
- only accepts bank transfers
- pressures you to pay immediately
- asks you to complete the transaction outside a trusted platform
- requests payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency or other difficult-to-trace payment methods.
Be cautious if a seller asks you to pay by bank transfer or directs you to complete payment outside the platform or marketplace.
Know the warning signs
When purchasing online, one warning sign doesn't always mean something is a scam. However, if several warning signs appear together, it's worth taking a closer look.
Watch out for:
- prices that seem too good to be true
- pressure to act quickly
- unusual payment requests
- missing contact information
- no independent reviews
- poor spelling or website content
- recently created websites or social media accounts.
Taking a few moments to stop and check before you buy could help you avoid losing money and protect your personal information.
About Fraud Awareness Week
Fraud Awareness Week encourages New Zealanders to take simple steps to protect themselves from scams and fraud.
Whether you're shopping online, responding to a message or considering an investment opportunity, taking a moment to stop and check could help you avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
Learn how to recognise warning signs, protect yourself online and know where to report scams when you see them.