During the sales season it is important to remain vigilant about scams including fake shopping websites, dodgy social media posts and deals that seem too good to be true.

There are several warning signs you should look out for when visiting shopping sites that may indicate they are not legitimate.

Prices that are much lower than anywhere else are often a major red flag, as scammers use unrealistic bargains to lure unsuspecting shoppers.

Spelling mistakes and poor grammar throughout a website suggest it has not been professionally created and may be fraudulent.

The absence of a refund or return policy page is another concern, as legitimate retailers typically provide clear information about customer rights.

Vague or minimal contact information makes it difficult to reach the business if something goes wrong with your purchase.

Scammers take advantage of busy shopping periods when people are looking for bargains and may be less cautious than usual.

Fake websites are often designed to look similar to legitimate retailers, making it easy to be deceived.

Fraudulent posts on social media platforms can also direct you to dangerous sites or collect your personal information.

Learning how to shop more safely online takes only about ten minutes and can save you from significant financial loss and stress.

ID Support NSW offers a free online shopping course that teaches practical skills for identifying and avoiding scams.

The course covers essential information about protecting yourself while shopping online and helps you recognise the tactics that scammers commonly use.

Taking a short amount of time to educate yourself about online shopping safety is worthwhile, particularly during major sales events when scam activity typically increases.

Being aware of warning signs and knowing what to look for can help you grab genuine bargains whilst avoiding the traps set by criminals.