Access the internet safely, spend wisely, and find help if you have been scammed.
We use the internet every day to access products and services and connect with each other. Using the internet should be safe and without fear of being scammed or losing money. However, there are many online scams designed to take your money illegally, and there are also many legal online products and services designed to encourage you to spend money.
There are ways to stay safe and savvy online. Take a look at our tips, resources, and supports to help you maximise your safety online, spend wisely, and find help should something go wrong.
Support with online skills
Although access to phones, computers and the internet are increasing across Australia, there are still many people being left behind. Some don’t have access to good phone and internet connections, especially when living regionally, and many haven’t been given the opportunity to learn the skills needed to navigate the internet safely.
This is why many local governments and community organisations run services that can help people to access and use digital services safely and with more confidence. Which can be anything from supplying free computer use to running digital support classes and mentorships.
Where to find help
The Be Connected Partner map can help you to find services to improve your online skills
The Be Connected website also hosts information pages and lessons
Online shopping
Online shopping is convenient and, in most cases, just as safe as shopping in-person. However, there are some key differences that you should know.
It’s easier to buy more
Online shopping is set up in ways that encourage you to buy more. Just a few of the strategies companies use to encourage you to increase your bill include:
- spending deals
- ads
- emails letting you know of new products
- suggested additions to your cart when you go to buy.
A good rule of thumb is to take some time to consider whether you really need what you’re buying. Sleep on it and come back the next day. If you’re still certain that you can afford and need the product in your cart, go for it.
Visit Moneysmart for online shopping tips and what to do if things go wrong.
For more information and tips, including steps to shop online safely, head to the ACCC page on online shopping.
Knowing your consumer rights
For all purchases made in Australia, you are covered by Australian Consumer Law, which ‘guarantees’ the item is fit for purpose. These rights cover many aspects of buying and selling, but there are some key things to know:
- you are always covered when buying goods and services
- your consumer rights cannot be waived in any way, even by a written contract
- it is unlawful for businesses to mislead you about these rights.
Where to find more information
A full list of what is covered by consumer guarantees is on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website, the Australian Government regulator that enforces consumer rights according to consumer law.
Consumer rights for overseas online shopping
Any sale made in Australia is covered by consumer law, including online sales. When you shop at overseas stores online, you are still covered, but the fact that the seller is not in Australia can make laws more difficult to enforce.
Ways of paying
There are many ways to pay electronically, which can be confusing if you’re unsure of what to do. The choice of which platform or provider to use is also usually up to you.
📌 See our ways of paying page.
Online safety and scams
A scam is any way of tricking people into handing over money or personal details. Scams are not unique to the internet, but the nature of online communication makes scams more common on the internet.
There are many types of scams, and they can happen to anyone. There are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself and find help if it happens to you.
Types of scams
Most scams involve trying to get you to hand over personal details. Examples include:
- phishing – imitates trustworthy sites and people to get you to hand over details
- remote access – tries to convince you that you have a computer or internet problem and will need to buy or install new software to fix the problem
- identity theft – uses someone’s identity to steal money or gain other benefits
- hacking – gains access to your personal information by using technology to break into your device (or into the systems of an organisation that has your information)
Tips for protecting yourself
Keeping your money safe online involves being aware of the risks and having a healthy dose of suspicion when you see anything you’re not familiar with.
- be aware and alert that scams can happen
- make sure you know who you’re dealing with
- don’t open anything suspicious (emails, text messages)
- keep your personal details secure
- use strong passwords
- consider using multi-factor authentication where possible
- review your privacy settings on social media
- be wary of unusual payment requests
- be careful when shopping online
More information on online safety
The Australian Cyber Security Centre has tips for how to improve your security online.
Scamwatch run by the ACCC has information on what to look out for and any current alerts. They also have information specifically for older Australians.
BeConnected, an Australian government initiative, hosts many online lessons and information pages on how to keep yourself safe when using the internet – such as avoiding scams and tricks.
What to do if you have been scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from further attacks.
Tell your providers
Contact your bank, financial institution, or any other financial service provider, like your super fund. You can ask them to stop any suspicious transactions.
If you need help telling your bank to cancel an unauthorised regular direct debit transaction, you can use these pre-form letters from the Financial Rights Legal Centre:
instruct your bank to cancel a direct debit authority
instruct a business to cancel their direct debit authority
Get expert help
| IDCARE Australia’s national identity and cyber support service for help managing your identity security. | Call 1300 432 273 Request a callback |
Take sensible precautions
- change your passwords
- monitor your bank account
- let your family and friends know about the scam
- learn more about scams and what to do
This information was last updated on 5 June 2023.
The links and resources in this article have been compiled and reviewed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. We aren’t responsible for what you’ll find at the links, though we do hope you find the information useful. See our disclaimer if you’d like to know more.
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