Stay Safe, Shop Smart: A Guide to Avoiding Online Scams This Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. It’s the time of year when we’re finishing projects, buying gifts, and ordering supplies online — often in a hurry.

At Resin Shop, we love the festive season. But we also know that while honest Aussies are winding down, scammers are ramping up. This guide is designed to be simple, practical, and easy to follow — especially if you’re not tech-savvy.

Our goal is straightforward: help you protect your hard-earned money — whether you’re shopping with us or anyone else.

1) The “Fake Invoice” Switcheroo (Payment Redirection Scam)

This one is increasingly common and can be very costly. You might be emailing a legitimate supplier, builder, or store. Everything looks normal — then an invoice arrives asking you to pay by EFT (bank transfer).

We recently heard of a case where a customer lost over $20,000 this way

How the Scam Works:

• Scammers intercept an email chain or impersonate the business.
• They send an invoice that looks legitimate — but with changed bank details.
• Once the payment is sent, the money is gone. Banks usually cannot recover EFT payments, even if fraud is confirmed.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Pause if bank details have changed — even if the email looks real.
• Call the business using the phone number from their official website or Google (not the number in the email) to verbally confirm the account number.
• Check the business has a registered ABN clearly displayed on their website.
• Whenever possible, pay via Credit Card, Debit Card, or PayPal. These methods often have "chargeback" or fraud protection. Direct bank transfers (EFT) usually do not have this safety net.

2) The “Miracle Claim” & Influencer Trap (High-Ticket MLMs)

Social media is great for inspiration. But be careful of influencers selling "High Ticket" items that promise to fix your health, your wealth, or your life overnight.  A simple rule helps:

The ABC has reported on “high-ticket” multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes involving expensive water ionisers (Watch the ABC report here on YouTube). 

What is an MLM in plain English?

Think of it like a pyramid. You pay to join, and you only really make money by recruiting other people to join under you.

The “business opportunity” relies heavily on recruiting others to sell under you — not just selling a product to normal customers.

What to Watch For:

•  Influencers were found claiming these water machines could "heal" various illnesses. While the company’s official website didn't make these claims, the influencers were doing whatever it took to get the sale.
• “Easy money” promises that depend on recruiting people, not genuine product demand.

3) The “Easy Finance” Sting

A common pattern in high-pressure sales is linking the product to an “easy” loan or financing option.  Scammers know that not everyone has $5,000 or $20,000 lying around to buy these "miracle" products.

The Scam:

The ABC report highlighted a heartbreaking case where a man was pressured into taking a $20,000 loan to buy stock he was told he could easily resell  The fine print showed that fees and high interest rates turned that a $20,000 loan into repaying a $30,000 debt.

The person convincing him to take the loan was getting a commission of $1,700 just for signing him up.

Simple Safety Checks:

• Do the maths: check the total repayment amount, not just the weekly/monthly payment.
• Read the fine print: fees, penalty rates, and commissions matter.
• Watch the sales behaviour: if the seller pushes a specific finance provider, ask, “What’s in it for them?”
• If you feel rushed, step back and seek independent advice.

4) “Ghost Stores” (Fake Social Ads & Disappearing Websites)

This scam often starts with a social media ad offering an unbelievable deal — “closing down”, “warehouse clearance”, “80% off today only”. You pay, then either receive nothing… or receive a cheap substitute. The website may vanish shortly after.

The Scam:

You pay for the item, but you receive nothing. The website disappears a week later. Or, you receive a cheap plastic trinket worth 50 cents instead of what you ordered.

How to Quickly Check if a Store is Real:

• Look for an ABN listed clearly (often in the footer). No ABN is a red flag for Australian-facing sites.
• Check contact details: do they list a phone number and physical address, or only a form?
• Read the language: repeated spelling/grammar issues can be a warning sign.
• Be cautious with “too cheap” pricing that doesn’t make sense for the product category.

Christmas Delivery Note: Courier Transit Times

A quick bit of housekeeping: in December, courier networks across Australia handle very high parcel volumes. That can mean longer transit times once your order is picked up and moving through the courier system.

• A delivery that often takes a few business days may take longer during peak periods.
• If your order is time-sensitive, it’s best to order earlier and allow buffer time.
• Tracking is your friend — once dispatched, you can monitor movement through the courier network.

For full details on delivery timeframes and what to expect during peak periods, please view our Shipping Policy.

We’re Here to Help

At Resin Shop, we value transparency and real support. If you’re ever unsure about an order, payment method, or delivery timing, feel free to reach out via our Contact page.

Stay safe online, verify who you’re buying from, and happy crafting.

FAQs

Is paying by bank transfer (EFT) safe when shopping online?

It can be safe with trusted businesses, but EFT has limited protections if details are changed or fraudulent. Always confirm bank details directly with the business before transferring funds.

How can I avoid invoice scams where bank details change?

If bank details change, pause and call the business using independently sourced contact details (official website or trusted directory). Confirm the account details before paying.

How do I spot a “ghost store” from a social media ad?

Look for an ABN, proper contact details, and consistent branding. Be wary of unbelievable discounts, poor language quality, and websites that feel rushed or vague.

What should I check before taking finance for a product?

Review the total repayment amount, all fees and interest, and whether anyone involved earns a commission. Avoid pressure and take time to understand the full cost.

Why can deliveries take longer in December?

Courier networks handle very high volumes during peak holiday periods, which can extend transit times even after dispatch. Ordering early and allowing buffer time helps avoid disappointment.