OREANDA-NEWS. December 08, 2015. With the number of Australians shopping online predicted to break records this Christmas, the National Australia Bank is advising consumers to shop smart and protect themselves from online fraud.

NAB Chief Information Officer David Boyle said with more people choosing to buy Christmas presents online it’s important to make sure anti-virus software and operating systems are up-to-date.

“NAB predicts more than 12 per cent of our customers transactions will be made online this Christmas, but unfortunately online shopping is not immune from scams, so it’s important for them to remain vigilant,” Mr Boyle said.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, more than 45,000 scam complaints were received by July this year, costing Australian businesses and consumers more than \\$45 million.

“Do your research and make sure the website you are buying from is reputable,” Mr Boyle said.

“Use Google to review the online seller and check they are who they say they are, and be suspicious and wary of bargains.

“If the price advertised on the website for a Christmas present is too good to be true, then it probably is.”

Mr Boyle said that although personal vigilance was the best method of protection, NAB’s security teams also work around the clock to help prevent NAB customers from becoming online victims.

“NAB has a real-time fraud detection system working 24/7 to help keep customers safe. If we spot suspicious activity we shut it down and contact our customer,” Mr Boyle said.

“NAB refunds 100 per cent in cases of fraud where it is clear our customers didn’t contribute to the loss.”

NAB’s top tips when shopping online this Christmas:

  • Regularly check your online accounts for unusual transactions;
  • Protect your phone like you do your wallet;
  • Be wary of deals that are too good to be true;
  • Don’t share your passwords or PIN codes with anyone;
  • Ensure your anti-virus software and operating systems are up-to-date;
  • Use a unique, strong password for each of your online accounts; and
  • Make sure you buy only from legitimate websites.