Download our app
You can pay in cheques, transfer money, and do much more, all from your mobile.
Buying online scams
Has your business been targeted by fraudsters?
Contact us right away to report a scam. We can then guide you on what to do next.
Tips on how to buy online safely
-
The closed padlock image in the browser bar and https:// at the start of an address, mean your connection to a website is secure. But it could still be a fake website.
Take these steps before you use a website or buy anything.
To visit a website, type the address into your browser bar. This is safer than following a link from a message or social media post.
Be suspicious of:
- Lower than normal prices
- Items that are sold out elsewhere or rare
- Deadlines that put you under pressure
- Payment methods that don’t protect your money, like a bank transfer.
Some fake websites have full contact details, so if you get in touch, you could get a reply.
Others include card payment services. But they don’t actually take your money, they just steal your details to use against you later on.
You can try this website link checker on Get Safe Online as an extra safety measure.
-
A genuine website should have independent reviews.
Avoid websites with bad reviews, or ones that have loads of good reviews in a short space of time.
Try to find out as much detail as you can about an item.
If they can't give any details or try to hurry you into paying, these are warning signs of a scam.
-
Before you buy an item off social media or an online marketplace, go to see it in person.
If you can’t do that, pay in a way that protects your money, like PayPal goods and services.
A genuine seller should let you do either of these things.
Even if a seller has lots of pictures, followers, good reviews or recommendations, they could all be fake.
Remember, people can write almost anything online, especially if they want your money.
-
To buy anything online, use your business debit or credit card. This will protect your money should anything go wrong.
Learn more on how to use your card safely
Genuine websites normally let you pay by card or another method that offers buyer protection.
Only a fake website or fraudster will ask for your PIN or bank password as part of a sale.
Fraudsters usually want you to pay directly to a bank account. This is like giving them cash and very hard to get your money back.
Paying up front:
- If an item is large or expensive, only agree to pay for it when a seller hands it over.
- Fraudsters can ask you to pay the full amount upfront, or for a large deposit before you’ve seen an item in person. Once they have your money, they'll disappear.
- Go to see an item in person before you pay. If you can’t, then use a payment method that protects your money.
-