The ACCC has issued scam warnings for both online shoppers and small businesses in conjunction with two new publications on the issue.
“The internet is a great way to get things done, especially shopping. It can save you a lot of time and can be very convenient, but consumers need to be careful when online,” ACCC deputy chair Peter Kell said today,
“In the past year the ACCC has recorded a 100 per cent increase in reports about online shopping scams,” Mr Kell who is also chair of the Taskforce said.
“Nearly 70 per cent of consumers that contacted the ACCC about scams during 2009 said they were contacted by scammers via the internet,” Mr Kell said.
The ACCC has issued Tips for a fine time shopping online which provides internet users with hints on how to protect their security and trade safely online.
The shopping online publication provides a number of useful tips such as finding out the seller’s contact details, using secure payment systems and protecting personal details, as well as advice on what to do if things go wrong.
The ACCC has also issued a new fact sheet Small Business Scams which explains the types of scams targeting small business and provides hints for business owners on how to avoid falling victim.
“In 2009 the ACCC has recorded a 60 per cent increase in the number of complaints about false billing scams – one of the main types of scams that target small businesses,” Dr Schaper said.
The publications will be available free of charge from the ACCC website.
