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Before you buy online

Online Shopping Scam Checker

Check an online store, social ad or shopping link before entering card details or sending money.

Built for Australians who need a calm first check before clicking, paying, replying, sharing a code or installing anything.

Privacy reminder: Do not enter passwords, one-time codes, card numbers, Medicare details, licence details or private documents. Tick the warning signs only.
Start checkBack to Scam HelpAlready acted?
Your IT & Tech Mates Online Shopping Scam Checker Australia hero image showing a worried shopper checking a fake online store with a friendly local tech helper, simple checklist, and stop check stay safe scam safety message.
Your IT & Tech Mates Online Shopping Scam Checker Australia hero image showing a worried shopper checking a fake online store with a friendly local tech helper, simple checklist, and stop check stay safe scam safety message.
Answers stay on this page
Triage first

What happened? Choose the safest starting point.

Use this as a first-check triage system. Start with the situation, then move to the safest next step before paying for help.

Before I actI have not clicked, paid, logged in or installed anything yet.Start this checker Money or card details sharedPayment, PayID, gift card, crypto, bank transfer or card details were involved.Bank-first steps Clicked or shared detailsA password, one-time code, personal information or account login may have been shared.Recovery helper Call, pop-up or remote accessSomeone asked to install an app, share a screen, provide codes or give remote access.Remote access check Helping someone elseI am supporting a parent, friend, senior or colleague and want a calm no-shame path.No-shame guide
Safety rule: If money is missing, contact your bank first. If anyone is unsafe or threatened, call 000. Do not share passwords, one-time codes, card numbers or ID details in these tools.
User-tested safety flow

Designed for the moment people feel rushed or unsure.

This tool now gives a clearer path for three real situations: checking before acting, helping someone else, or recovering after money/details were shared.

Before acting

Do not enter card details, identity information or banking details until the shop, seller and checkout are verified.

Safest first step

Open the shop or brand site yourself, compare reviews outside the seller page, and use a safer payment method with buyer protection where possible.

If something already happened

If you already paid or entered card details, contact your bank/card provider first, then save receipts, URLs, emails and screenshots.

Free scam safety helper

Tick what applies.

The result gives a simple risk level, what to avoid, and the safest next action.

Before I actUse this page first, then verify through official details.
Already actedSelect Yes below so the result switches into urgent triage steps.
Helping someoneUse the no-shame share block and keep private details out of messages.

Has money, a password, a code, identity details, or remote access already been shared?

Share this safety check

Help someone check before they click, pay or share details.

Scams spread fast. Sharing this free checker with a parent, friend or work colleague may help them pause before they lose money or share personal information.

Common online shopping scam signs

Fake shops often copy product photos, brand names and customer reviews. The warning signs are usually in the pressure, payment method, contact details and domain name.

Be extra careful with social media ads, unusually low prices, checkout pages that ask for unnecessary details, and sellers who push bank transfer or PayID instead of a normal secure checkout.

What to do if it feels urgent
  • Pause before entering card details or identity information.
  • Search for the shop name plus words like scam, reviews or complaints.
  • Open the real brand website yourself instead of using an ad or message link.
  • Use a safer payment method with buyer protection where possible.
  • If you already paid, contact your bank first and save screenshots, URLs and receipts.
Related scam safety help

Use the right checker for what happened.

Suspicious Link CheckerCheck the store link or short link before opening or logging in. Payment Safety CheckerCheck bank transfer, PayID, deposit and card-payment pressure signs. Marketplace Scam CheckerUse this for Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and buyer/seller chats. Online shopping scam guideRead the plain-English guide to fake online store warning signs. Lost Money Next Step HelperUse this if you already paid or shared payment details. Scam Safety HubChoose another scam checker or support guide.
Free tool first, human help when needed

Want someone to check the device or accounts with you?

See the Scam Safety Help service for calm, hands-on device and account checks after a suspicious call, message, payment or remote-access incident.

See Scam Safety HelpStart QuoteMe