The weeks leading up to the end of year holidays can be a mad rush of organising – Kris Kringle buying, getaway planning and last minute shopping.
During this busy time, we all may become more vulnerable to online scams. In fact, the amount lost to scammers spiked by close to $4 million this time last year, according to Scamwatch.
Luckily, there are some simple precautions we can take to stay safe when online shopping this Christmas. Start by shopping with your Visa debit card and by following a few simple tips.
The added protection of Visa's Zero Liability policy
With Visa's Zero Liability policy, you won't be held responsible for fraudulent charges or unauthorised purchases made with your card or account information*. This means you can use your card to shop with total confidence, as you will always be protected against unauthorised use.
* Visa's Zero Liability policy covers Australian and New Zealand-issued cards and does not apply to ATM transactions, transactions not processed by Visa or certain commercial card transactions. Cardholders should notify their issuer promptly of any unauthorised Visa use. Please consult your issuer for additional details.
See Visa's webpage for more information.
To benefit from Visa's zero liability policy, you must not have contributed to the loss caused by the unauthorised use of your card and you must not delay in notifying us of any unauthorised use. Please refer to your card conditions of use for further terms and conditions.
If you have noticed any unauthorised transactions on your Visa debit card statement, contact us immediately on 1300 747 747 or visit our transaction dispute page for more information and to find out next steps.
Tips for staying safe when online shopping
When online shopping with your Visa Debit card, taking some simple precautions can help you avoid scammers and stay safe.
Know who you're buying from
Scammers often set up replica or fake websites to extract your payment and/or personal information. Stick to well-known retailers and verify sellers are legitimate by using online reviews or by contacting the business/seller directly if you are unsure.
Make sure you are paying securely
When shopping online, only use websites with the padlock symbol and https in the top left of the URL (now http) to ensure your details are secure.
Be careful with your personal information
Never share your personal information such as passwords, address or card details without verifying the website you're using is safe, secure and legitimate. Phishing attacks are increasingly common, so it's important to never input personal details into a website that you have clicked through to from a link in a texts or emails. Always visit a retailer's website directly using the URL instead of clicking a link in an email.
Use strong passwords
A strong password is one with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. It's important to never use the same passwords for multiple accounts, as this may leave multiple accounts vulnerable if one password is exposed.
With our tips, a little care and the Qudos Visa debit card, you can stay safe these holidays and ensure that you are spending your money and time on things and the people that you care about.
For more tips and information about staying safe online, visit the Qudos Bank Fraud and Security Hub.
