Police Warn Online Shoppers – Don’t Give Too Much Information

Yesterday the Australian Federal Police issued a warning highlighting the hazards of stolen finances and identities when consumers purchase goods online this Christmas. It may be the season for giving, but don’t give out too much personal information when shopping online this festive period.

In a press release the Australian Federal Police (AFP) warned that Australians are at risk of having their identities and finances stolen by giving away too much personal information when shopping online.

I couldn’t agree more. Online shoppers like you and me need to be aware of what we are buying, and more importantly who we are buying from. This advise isn’t just good for Christmas time either, it’s something we should get in the habit of doing every time we shop online. My advise, along with the AFP is to do some research. Follow some common sense rules before placing an order with an online retailer that you are not familiar with. Simple rules like emailing the retailer, making a phone call, checking the ABN number is visible and only entering in the fields that are “required” to buy your products are just a few steps to safe shopping and protecting your personal information online. You can read our Ten Steps to Safe Online Shopping for more tips for safe shopping online.

National Manager of the AFP’s High Tech Crime Operations, Neil Gaughan, said “cyber-criminals, like all criminals, would be preying on the vulnerability of potential victims during the holiday period”. “This is not a warning to avoid the Internet, because Australians should be able to go online and enjoy the experience of shopping for their Christmas gifts,” Gaughan said. “But consumers should ensure they protect their personal and financial information, keeping in mind some basic steps when using your credit card online so as to prevent fraud and avoid any disappointment and stress. Just as you would lock your doors to prevent criminals entering your home this Christmas, there are some precautions everyone can take to try and prevent cyber-criminals from compromising your computer.”

The AFP warning was issued in collaboration with Abacus Australian Mutuals, an industry body for credit unions. “Consumers expect high standards from online retailers and we are warning the public about the level of information they give – for instance, no one should have to provide a date of birth to merchants to buy pet supplies,” Abacus CEO Louise Petschler said.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates the value of Australian Internet orders was $123 billion in the 2008 2009 period, and when almost 50% of consumers surveyed (ACMA) are spending more than $1000. Taking your own steps to secure your personal and financial information when using online shopping stores is very important.

The AFP warning went on to display some simple steps (listed below) to safe guard yourself online this holiday period:

• Installing a firewall, reputable anti-virus software and anti-spyware software, and run real time updates;
• Keeping your passwords private;
• Researching the merchant before placing an order;
• Reading a website’s privacy and security policies;
• Saving all transaction details;
• Providing only necessary information about yourself;
• Not clicking on links in emails from online retailers or online greeting cards as they may result in malware (malicious software) being downloaded onto your computer.