With Christmas just weeks away, Senior Constable Chantelle Dowell is advising Ipswich residents to exercise caution when buying or selling items online. As online shopping continues to rise, with over 80% of Australians making purchases through internet marketplaces, Senior Constable Dowell highlighted the growing risks of meeting up with strangers for transactions involving electronics and other valuables.
“Online shopping is incredibly popular, but we’re seeing more cases where sellers meet buyers in person and end up victims of theft or fraud,” said Dowell. She urged Queenslanders using social media platforms and local marketplaces to follow simple safety tips to protect themselves.
One of the primary safety measures is to research the buyer or seller’s social media profile. Dowell noted that profiles created recently, with few followers or little engagement, might indicate potential scams. “If a buyer or seller’s page looks suspicious, it’s best to avoid interaction,” she advised.
Additionally, she warned against accepting screenshots as proof of payment and advised choosing secure methods of payment instead. “Never use money orders, pre-loaded money cards, or wire transfers,” she said, emphasizing that these are untraceable and often linked to fraudulent transactions.
Dowell also recommended arranging meetings in public places with good lighting, such as a shopping center, ideally during daylight hours with CCTV presence. “If you feel uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to cancel the meeting,” she added, reminding residents that personal safety should always come first.
For anyone experiencing fraud, Senior Constable Dowell suggested reporting scams to ScamWatch or the Australian Cybercrime Security Centre. Suspicious activities can be reported to Policelink or anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-333-000.
This holiday season, residents are encouraged to take these steps to ensure safe and secure online transactions.
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