ANZ urges customers to stay safe online during this Mother’s Day

As online scams remain a significant threat, ANZ is urging customers to remember the signs of online shopping scams in the lead-up to Mother’s Day.

ANZ Regional Executive Pacific, Sarah Stubbings says it is important to be aware that online criminals are preying on people’s generosity around special occasions such as Mother’s Day.

Stubbings says with fake links to legitimate-appearing websites, travel and holiday deals and marketplace listings on social media and if a product or service is being advertised with unusually low prices then some research is required to compare it to the retailer's website, to ensure it is real.

She says if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

She adds if customers are concerned that they may have responded to or acted on a scam compromising their details, they should contact ANZ immediately.

Tips to avoid online shopping scams:

• Be wary of clicking links on social media as they may direct you to a fake site to mine your personal information. • Always check the URL of a link by hovering over it and do independent research if possible. • Search for independent reviews of an online seller to ensure legitimacy, particularly if it’s a brand or site you have not seen before. • Be wary of uncommon payment methods, such as direct transfers or gift card payments when shopping online.