Online shoppers beware
It’s easy and fun, but using your debit card online can also be an expensive trap. Here are a few things to look out for before you hit ‘buy now’
Goodbye EFTPOS, hello handy debit card. Use it to shop online, as long as there’s money in your bank account. Something you can’t do with an EFTPOS card.
But it also means you’ll now be on the radar of online scammers. Don’t freak out though, just be clever about what you do, or don’t do, like:
- Only shop at websites you know and trust.
- Make sure you're at the right place by checking the URL in the address bar.
- Use strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and avoid saving them to your browser.
- Make sure the website has legit payment options (requests for Bitcoin and bank transfers are a bad sign – leave the site pronto). Also, see if they have a good ‘returns’ policy, as well as a ‘contact us’ option, which isn’t just an online form. This should include a phone number or contact email too.
Play detective
Get into a habit of keeping an eye on your internet banking, banking app, or bank statement. The sooner you spot something’s gone wrong, or that someone has your card details, the better. If you do, just block your card in Internet Banking, or in the app, then contact us immediately.
You can find other smart tips in our guide to banking safely.
Happy and safe shopping!
Important information
This material is information only and you should seek professional advice about your circumstances. We’ve taken care to ensure the information is reliable, we don’t warrant its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for your intended use. To the extent the law allows, we don’t accept any responsibility or liability arising from your use or reliance on this information.
Please talk to us if you need financial advice about our products or services. See our financial advice provider disclosure at anz.co.nz/fapdisclosure