If you're on the hunt for a last-minute gift for Mum this Mother's Day, don't be fooled by tempting offers online that sound too good to be true.
Online shopping scams are rife and are often targeted around major holidays such as Mother's Day.
According to the National Anti-Scam Centre, more Australians reported a financial loss to shopping scams compared to any other scam type in 2025.
There were 12,248 Australians who reported a loss to shopping scams, reporting total overall losses of $10.8 million in 2025. This is a 22.2% increase from the 10,022 who reported financial loss to shopping scams in 2024.
South Australians lost more than $1 million to similar scams in 2025 with close to 3000 reported.
The Malinauskas Labor Government is warning people to protect themselves from scams with dodgy sellers often using social media to target unsuspecting shoppers and directing them to fake websites.
These websites can look like legitimate retailers' websites, and we advise checking the URL or searching for the retailer direct in your browser.
Shopping with local brands you know and trust, while keeping an eye out for unusually low prices and uncommon payment options such as wire transfer is the best way to avoid being scammed.
People should also be mindful of tricks designed to get them to spend more than they intended such as hidden fees at the check-out and scarcity cues that urge you to make a quick decision such as pop-ups saying 'last one!'.
To help consumers avoid common pitfalls, Consumer and Business Services have put together a series of tips to help people including:
- When shopping online, never go with the first item you find, compare prices, check reviews and ensure you're dealing with a legitimate vendor.
- If a website doesn't seem quite right, trust your instincts.
It's also important to know your rights as a consumer and if the gift purchased for Mum isn't quite right what you can do about it.
While retailers aren't obliged to give you a refund just because you've changed your mind, many do offer change-of-mind returns so make sure you check their policies and keep some proof of purchase.
If the item isn't fit for purpose, then under Australian Consumer Law, you are entitled to a refund or replacement.
For more information about shopping safely this Mother's Day, visit: https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/campaigns/mothers-day
As put by Michael Brown
If you're on the hunt for a gift for Mum this Mother's Day, be mindful of online shopping scams.
More Australians fell victim to shopping scams last year than any other type and it's really important for people to exercise caution when shopping online.
Be wary of gifts that pop up on social media with scams often targeted around major holidays.
Keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious including unusually low prices or unusual payment methods.
If in doubt, search for retailers' websites via your browser to ensure they are legitimate.
