A Business-Backed Guide Featuring Fortinet

To protect yourself from online shopping scams this Christmas, shop only on trusted websites, avoid clicking links in unexpected emails or texts, use secure payment methods, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious of “too good to be true” offers. Fortinet enhances your safety by blocking fake websites, phishing pages, and suspicious online activity before it reaches you.

Fortinet is essential because online scammers are becoming more advanced, especially during Christmas. Fortinet uses AI-powered security to identify fake shopping domains, stop phishing attacks, prevent account takeovers, and block fraudulent transactions. This gives both consumers and businesses a stronger, enterprise-grade layer of protection during the busiest shopping season.

Christmas Shopping Is Growing and So Are Online Scams

Christmas has become the biggest online shopping season of the year. From last-minute bargains to holiday promotions, people spend more time and money online during December than any other month. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this too.

Every Christmas, online shopping scams increase dramatically. Fake websites, fraudulent ads, phishing emails, and payment scams appear everywhere, targeting distracted shoppers who are rushing to buy gifts. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 514,000 Australians experienced a scam in 2022–23, with many incidents linked to online shopping.

While basic caution helps, modern cyber threats are more sophisticated. That’s why advanced protection, such as Fortinet’s AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, plays a crucial role in keeping both consumers and businesses safe.

 

Why Online Shopping Fraud Surges During the Christmas Season

1. More online purchases = more opportunities for criminals

High volumes make it easier for scammers to hide fraudulent activity.

2. Shoppers are rushed

People are more likely to skip safety checks while trying to secure fast shipping or last-minute gifts.

3. Fake retail websites multiply

Cybercriminals build realistic but fraudulent stores designed to steal money and card details.

4. Phishing campaigns peak

Scam emails and SMS that look like “delivery updates” or “order confirmations” increase dramatically.

5. Social media scams escalate

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok ads often feature counterfeit shops selling products that never arrive.

How Fortinet Protects You from Online Shopping Fraud

Fortinet is widely recognised as a leader in cybersecurity, providing robust, enterprise-level protection that directly combats the rise of online shopping scams. Here’s how Fortinet enhances safety during the Christmas period:

1. FortiGuard AI Threat Intelligence

Fortinet’s threat intelligence platform continuously scans the internet for:

• Fake shopping domains

• Malicious URLs

• Brand impersonation attacks

• Holiday-themed phishing scams

Suspicious websites are blocked before shoppers can access them.

2. Advanced Bot Protection

Fortinet defends against malicious bots designed to:

• Steal credit card information

• Break into online accounts

• Test stolen usernames and passwords

• Perform automated fraud attacks

This is especially important when shoppers store card details on multiple websites.

3. Web and DNS Filtering

Fortinet prevents users from accessing:

• Scam websites

• Fake social media ads

• Fraudulent checkout pages

• Malicious downloads

This keeps customers away from fraudulent content altogether.

4. Credential Phishing Prevention

Fortinet alerts users if they’re about to enter sensitive information on a suspicious page. This reduces the risk of login theft and account compromise.

5. Real-Time Machine Learning Fraud Detection

Fortinet’s AI identifies unusual patterns such as:

• Sudden spending behaviour

• Unknown device logins

• Suspicious transaction activity

• Geographic inconsistencies

These alerts help prevent fraud before it escalates.

 

The Most Common Online Shopping Scams to Watch Out For

Fake Online Stores

Scammers build legitimate-looking websites with premium branding and unbelievably low prices.

Phishing Emails and SMS

Messages that appear to be from Royal Mail, Australia Post, Amazon or retailers, asking you to “verify your order”.

Fake Social Media Ads

Paid ads promoting products at huge discounts, often linking to fake websites or drop-shippers who never deliver.

Payment Fraud and Stolen Credentials

Cybercriminals create fake payment pages or intercept sensitive details during checkout.

Account Takeovers

Attempts to break into PayPal, Amazon, eBay, Afterpay or bank accounts to make unauthorised purchases.

 

How to Protect Yourself When Shopping Online This Christmas

1. Check That the Website Is Legitimate

• Look for https in the URL

• Verify contact details, return policies and ABN

• Avoid websites with spelling errors, poor design or unrealistic prices

2. Avoid Clicking Links in Emails or SMS

If you receive an alert about a delivery or order you didn’t place, go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking the link.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Choose:

• Credit card

• PayPal

• Apple Pay / Google Pay
  Avoid direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

This adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts and significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

5. Avoid Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

Public networks make it easier for attackers to intercept your data.

 

Christmas Online Shopping Safety Checklist

Before you check out this Christmas, ask yourself:

• ✔ Is the website secure and familiar?

• ✔ Are the prices reasonable and realistic?

• ✔ Are you using a safe connection?

• ✔ Was the email or SMS expected?

• ✔ Are you using a protected payment method?

• ✔ Do your accounts have MFA enabled?

If something feels wrong step back.

 

Strong Cybersecurity Matters Most During the Holidays

Online shopping should feel convenient, fun and stress-free. But with scammers becoming more aggressive every Christmas, cybersecurity is no longer optional it’s essential.

By following safe shopping practices and using enterprise-grade protection like Fortinet, both consumers and businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fraud, identity theft and financial loss.

This Christmas, protect your data, your money and your accounts by staying aware and staying secure.