Sarah McMillan/cvnznews.com
Online shopping scams declined in September, but Netsafe is warning New Zealanders not to become complacent as spending is expected to surge in the lead-up to Black Friday and Christmas.
Netsafe received 292 reports of online shopping scams in September, with reported losses totalling $58,300. That compares with 337 reports and $146,800 in reported losses during August.
The drop comes as many households continue to feel financial pressure from higher living costs, including power bills, fuel prices, and groceries. Retail spending typically softens during the winter months before increasing as shoppers prepare for Christmas.
Netsafe says now is the ideal time to remind New Zealanders about the risks before the busy holiday shopping period gets underway.
Netsafe Digital Transformation and AI Implementation Lead Alex Yi said scammers are already preparing for the seasonal increase in online spending.
“Scammers are waiting for the shopping season to ramp up too, so now is the time to get your scam radar switched on,” Yi said.
“Black Friday and Christmas are major shopping periods, and scammers know people are searching for bargains. When shoppers are focused on finding a good deal or stretching their budget, it can be easy to click before checking whether a website or seller is legitimate.”
Yi said taking a few extra moments to verify a website or seller could prevent significant financial loss.
Netsafe’s Top Tips for Safe Online Shopping
• Pause before purchasing: If a deal seems too good to be true or there’s pressure to buy immediately, take time to investigate.
• Check the seller: Look for independent reviews and information from trusted sources rather than relying solely on testimonials on the seller’s website.
• Beware of urgency tactics: Countdown timers and claims of limited stock are often designed to encourage impulsive purchases.
• Verify the website: Scam sites can closely mimic legitimate retailers. Double-check web addresses before entering payment details.
• Use secure payment methods: Be cautious if asked to pay outside a recognised platform or through unusual payment channels.
• Protect your personal information: Only provide details necessary to complete your purchase.
With Black Friday and Christmas fast approaching, Netsafe is encouraging New Zealanders to make scam checks a routine part of every online purchase.
About Netsafe: Netsafe is an independent New Zealand charity providing free support, advice, and education to help people stay safe online. It also offers confidential assistance to anyone experiencing online harm, including harassment, bullying, and unwanted digital contact.
