We at the SDC understand that many members are avid online shoppers. After all, leaving the house for retail therapy may not always be easy, and it's still convenient to do most of our shopping from home.

However, we urge you to be extra vigilant when visiting virtual stores.

This is because a recent warning from the Australian consumer watchdog, Scamwatch, has urged millions of online shoppers to be careful when searching for well-known retailers.

They specifically highlighted the case of a popular activewear brand, Lorna Jane. Founded by a veteran Australian model and health advocate of the same name, Lorna Jane is one of Australian fashion's most recognisable names.

Lorna Jane is a popular retailer that sells activewear. Credit: Lona Jane

Unfortunately, scammers have been out to make a quick buck on the back of its reputation.

Scamwatch explains that the fraudsters have created a fake website for the brand, which they hope customers searching the internet will stumble upon and be duped by.

'Have you searched for a brand or store online and noticed a sponsored ad appear as the first result?' Scamwatch asked.

'Remember, the first result may be fake. Scammers pay for sponsored ads to trick consumers into visiting scam websites,' they warned.

They posted the warning on social media:

​

Their point was highlighted by an example of a sponsored ad for the Lorna Jane brand, from a fake website, which appeared as the top result of a Google search.

The fraudulent website advertised a sale, but the address was a ‘duplicate site’ run by scammers.

Lorna Jane isn’t the only one who’s become a target–scam websites are being made to look like many well-known, respected names.

The consumer watchdog has warned that scammers are creating imitation websites 'to look like well-known brands' and are 'impersonating famous people to make it look like they recommend the product or service.'

It appears the fraudsters are leaving no stone unturned in their attempts to separate you from your hard-earned money.

In response to the warning, Australians on social media spoke up and warned others to be careful when shopping online.

'It’s easy to forget that scammers can pay for advertising just as easily as anyone else,' one person wrote.

'A reminder to double check the URL,' another added.

'Keep a sharp eye out folks!' A third warned.

The ACCC reported that Australians lost $74 million to online scams last year, with losses likely to rise as fraudsters become increasingly creative.

Let's keep each other safe by being on the lookout for any suspicious activity and not taking any advertisements and promotions at face value.

If a website looks dodgy, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for:

​

Members, if you suspect you may have been scammed, please reach out and report your experience via the ACCC’s ‘Report a Scam’ page.

Key Takeaways

• Scamwatch is urging Australian consumers to be wary of fake third-party retailer websites run by scammers.
• The scam involves creating fake websites that imitate well-known brands to trick consumers into sharing their personal data, using the example of popular retailer Lorna Jane.
• Scamwatch has reminded people that scammers can also sponsor ads making fake websites appear first in search results.
• Australians lost $74 million to online scams in the previous year, according to an ACCC report.

Members, you may post suspected scams on our Scam Watch forum. This will help other members be informed and keep our community safe.

Have you come across a fake website? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

[ToniaKisliakov]

We at the SDC understand that many members are avid online shoppers. After all, leaving the house for retail therapy may not always be easy, and it's still convenient to do most of our shopping from home.

However, we urge you to be extra vigilant when visiting virtual stores.

This is because a recent warning from the Australian consumer watchdog, Scamwatch, has urged millions of online shoppers to be careful when searching for well-known retailers.

They specifically highlighted the case of a popular activewear brand, Lorna Jane. Founded by a veteran Australian model and health advocate of the same name, Lorna Jane is one of Australian fashion's most recognisable names.

View attachment 28743

Lorna Jane is a popular retailer that sells activewear. Credit: Lona Jane

Unfortunately, scammers have been out to make a quick buck on the back of its reputation.

Scamwatch explains that the fraudsters have created a fake website for the brand, which they hope customers searching the internet will stumble upon and be duped by.

'Have you searched for a brand or store online and noticed a sponsored ad appear as the first result?' Scamwatch asked.

'Remember, the first result may be fake. Scammers pay for sponsored ads to trick consumers into visiting scam websites,' they warned.

They posted the warning on social media:

​

Their point was highlighted by an example of a sponsored ad for the Lorna Jane brand, from a fake website, which appeared as the top result of a Google search.

The fraudulent website advertised a sale, but the address was a ‘duplicate site’ run by scammers.

Lorna Jane isn’t the only one who’s become a target–scam websites are being made to look like many well-known, respected names.

The consumer watchdog has warned that scammers are creating imitation websites 'to look like well-known brands' and are 'impersonating famous people to make it look like they recommend the product or service.'

It appears the fraudsters are leaving no stone unturned in their attempts to separate you from your hard-earned money.

In response to the warning, Australians on social media spoke up and warned others to be careful when shopping online.

'It’s easy to forget that scammers can pay for advertising just as easily as anyone else,' one person wrote.

'A reminder to double check the URL,' another added.

'Keep a sharp eye out folks!' A third warned.

The ACCC reported that Australians lost $74 million to online scams last year, with losses likely to rise as fraudsters become increasingly creative.

Let's keep each other safe by being on the lookout for any suspicious activity and not taking any advertisements and promotions at face value.

If a website looks dodgy, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for:

View attachment 28759​

Members, if you suspect you may have been scammed, please reach out and report your experience via the ACCC’s ‘Report a Scam’ page.

Key Takeaways

• Scamwatch is urging Australian consumers to be wary of fake third-party retailer websites run by scammers.
• The scam involves creating fake websites that imitate well-known brands to trick consumers into sharing their personal data, using the example of popular retailer Lorna Jane.
• Scamwatch has reminded people that scammers can also sponsor ads making fake websites appear first in search results.
• Australians lost $74 million to online scams in the previous year, according to an ACCC report.

Members, you may post suspected scams on our Scam Watch forum. This will help other members be informed and keep our community safe.

Have you come across a fake website? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

[Jest]

We at the SDC understand that many members are avid online shoppers. After all, leaving the house for retail therapy may not always be easy, and it's still convenient to do most of our shopping from home.

However, we urge you to be extra vigilant when visiting virtual stores.

This is because a recent warning from the Australian consumer watchdog, Scamwatch, has urged millions of online shoppers to be careful when searching for well-known retailers.

They specifically highlighted the case of a popular activewear brand, Lorna Jane. Founded by a veteran Australian model and health advocate of the same name, Lorna Jane is one of Australian fashion's most recognisable names.

View attachment 28743

Lorna Jane is a popular retailer that sells activewear. Credit: Lona Jane

Unfortunately, scammers have been out to make a quick buck on the back of its reputation.

Scamwatch explains that the fraudsters have created a fake website for the brand, which they hope customers searching the internet will stumble upon and be duped by.

'Have you searched for a brand or store online and noticed a sponsored ad appear as the first result?' Scamwatch asked.

'Remember, the first result may be fake. Scammers pay for sponsored ads to trick consumers into visiting scam websites,' they warned.

They posted the warning on social media:

​

Their point was highlighted by an example of a sponsored ad for the Lorna Jane brand, from a fake website, which appeared as the top result of a Google search.

The fraudulent website advertised a sale, but the address was a ‘duplicate site’ run by scammers.

Lorna Jane isn’t the only one who’s become a target–scam websites are being made to look like many well-known, respected names.

The consumer watchdog has warned that scammers are creating imitation websites 'to look like well-known brands' and are 'impersonating famous people to make it look like they recommend the product or service.'

It appears the fraudsters are leaving no stone unturned in their attempts to separate you from your hard-earned money.

In response to the warning, Australians on social media spoke up and warned others to be careful when shopping online.

'It’s easy to forget that scammers can pay for advertising just as easily as anyone else,' one person wrote.

'A reminder to double check the URL,' another added.

'Keep a sharp eye out folks!' A third warned.

The ACCC reported that Australians lost $74 million to online scams last year, with losses likely to rise as fraudsters become increasingly creative.

Let's keep each other safe by being on the lookout for any suspicious activity and not taking any advertisements and promotions at face value.

If a website looks dodgy, there are plenty of warning signs to watch out for:

View attachment 28759​

Members, if you suspect you may have been scammed, please reach out and report your experience via the ACCC’s ‘Report a Scam’ page.

Key Takeaways

• Scamwatch is urging Australian consumers to be wary of fake third-party retailer websites run by scammers.
• The scam involves creating fake websites that imitate well-known brands to trick consumers into sharing their personal data, using the example of popular retailer Lorna Jane.
• Scamwatch has reminded people that scammers can also sponsor ads making fake websites appear first in search results.
• Australians lost $74 million to online scams in the previous year, according to an ACCC report.

Members, you may post suspected scams on our Scam Watch forum. This will help other members be informed and keep our community safe.

Have you come across a fake website? Share your experience in the comments below!

how about we all crawl into a hole and let the world pass by. might as well.

 

[joyceelizabeth]

This is scary, we are being forced to use technology but it's a minefield.