\n <\/a><\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although access to phones, computers and the internet are increasing across Australia<\/a>, there are still many people being left behind. Some don\u2019t have access to good phone and internet connections, especially when living regionally, and many haven\u2019t been given the opportunity to learn the skills needed to navigate the internet safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Be Connected Partner map<\/a> can help you to find services to improve your online skills<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Be Connected<\/a> website also hosts information pages and lessons<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A good rule of thumb is to take some time to consider whether you really need what you\u2019re buying. Sleep on it and come back the next day. If you\u2019re still certain that you can afford and need the product in your cart, go for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit Moneysmart<\/a> for online shopping tips and what to do if things go wrong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information and tips, including steps to shop online safely, head to the ACCC page on online shopping.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For all purchases made in Australia, you are covered by Australian Consumer Law, which \u2018guarantees\u2019 the item is fit for purpose. These rights cover many aspects of buying and selling, but there are some key things to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A full list of what is covered by consumer guarantees is on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website<\/a>, the Australian Government regulator that enforces consumer rights according to consumer law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> more difficult to enforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many ways to pay electronically, which can be confusing if you\u2019re unsure of what to do. The choice of which platform or provider to use is also usually up to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 See our ways of paying<\/a> page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most scams involve trying to get you to hand over personal details<\/a>. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your money safe online involves being aware of the risks and having a healthy dose of suspicion when you see anything you\u2019re not familiar with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Australian Cyber Security Centre has tips<\/a> for how to improve your security online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scamwatch <\/a>run by the ACCC has information on what to look out for and any current alerts. They also have information specifically for older Australians<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BeConnected<\/a>, an Australian government initiative, hosts many online lessons and information pages on how to keep yourself safe when using the internet \u2013 such as avoiding scams and tricks<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you think you\u2019ve been scammed, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from further attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact your bank, financial institution, or any other financial service provider, like your super fund. You can ask them to stop any suspicious transactions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n instruct your bank<\/strong><\/a> to cancel a direct debit authority<\/p>\n\n\n\n instruct a business <\/strong><\/a>to cancel their direct debit authority<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/Staying_Safe_Online_v002.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSupport with online skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to find help<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Online shopping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s easier to buy more<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Knowing your consumer rights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where to find more information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consumer rights for overseas online shopping <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ways of paying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online safety and scams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Types of scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tips for protecting yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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More information on online safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to do if you have been scammed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tell your providers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get expert help<\/h3>\n\n\n\n