Stay scam smart this sale season

Take the shopping quiz and see how you'd handle a few common scams before you buy.

Could you spot a shopping scam?

Fake discounts, dodgy websites and parcel delivery scams can be easy to miss when you're rushing to grab a deal. Take the quiz to see how you'd respond.

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Q1: A pair of headphones you've had your eye on pops up in an ad for 80% off the usual price. The sale ends in one hour. What would you do?

It's worth pausing. Big discounts and limited time offers can rush you into buying before you've had a chance to check whether the store is genuine or the offer is real.

Good move. A quick search shows most retailers are charging much more, so you've got a reason to look closer before buying.

Q2: The website looks professional, but you've never heard of the retailer before. What would you do?

That could be risky. A professional-looking site can still be fake, especially if you can't find contact details, returns information or genuine customer feedback.

Good call. Checking the retailer first gives you a better chance of spotting anything that doesn't feel right before you buy.

Q3: At checkout, the retailer says you can only pay by bank transfer or cryptocurrency. What would you do?

Be careful. The purchase may still be legitimate, however limited payment options can be a warning sign.

Smart move. Leaving the site gives you time to check whether the retailer is legitimate before sending money.

Q4: A text arrives saying your parcel is waiting, but you need to pay a small redelivery fee today. What would you do?

It's worth looking into first. Fake delivery messages are common around busy shopping periods, and the link could take you to a fake site asking for payment or personal details.

Good idea. Checking with the retailer or delivery company directly can help you avoid entering your details on a fake website.

Thanks for playing.

Before you buy, remember:

  • Check the deal
  • Research the retailer and website
  • Check the payment method

We hope these scenarios have helped you recognise some common scam warning signs this sale season. If you would like to learn more, explore these 6 tips on how to avoid online shopping scams.

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