Investing on the internet and other electronic transactions

The more you use the internet, the more you appreciate its convenience and access to services like banking and shopping. Unfortunately, the internet is also exploited for frauds that sometimes look surprisingly genuine.

Here's how to take advantages of the benefits but at the same time know the tell tale signs of typical frauds, and some safety checks you can use to avoid them.

Advice on the internet

Advice on the internet
Share tips and general advice

Buying and selling shares on the internet

Buying and selling shares online
Buying and selling shares using computer programs

Sharetrading software

Buying and selling shares using computer programs

In an article about sharetrading software in The Age, our Executive Director of consumer protection said, 'The bottom line is that none of these programs are guaranteed. No-one has found the magic mechanism and anyone who encourages you to think that they have is someone to avoid.' Read our warning about sharetrading software.

Banking on the internet

Fraudulent emails: some look genuine

Your rights and responsibilities when transferring money electronically

Read our guide to the Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Code of Conduct, Using electronic funds transfer: your rights

ASIC's internet and e-commerce initiatives

Scamseek spider catches web scams and schemes: Internet scams and schemes are now easier to identify using Scamseek, an internet-document classification system, developed with ASIC's assistance.

More about

Pie In The Sky Awards
Investing basics
Getting good advice
Buying and selling shares

Stay Smart Online is the Australian Government's designed to provide all Australian online users with practical tips and advice on e-security. It includes basic information on how to secure your computer and best practice tips for smart transacting online.

Keep in touch with the latest information for people with investments, superannuation, insurance and deposit accounts by getting our free monthly email newsletter, FIDO News.

FIDO Website: Printed 02/10/2010