Parents who may be receiving phony calls from scammers about online stationery orders, are being warned to tread with caution.

In a statement released on the NetSafe website, the online safety organisation has identified the new scam.

'We are aware of a scam targeting parents and caregivers during the beginning of school year period.

'If you receive a phone call or email about problems with online school stationery orders, please be wary.

'Netsafe have received reports of scammers calling and claiming an online order for school stationery hasn't gone through, and that payment needs to be made again via credit card or online banking.

'If you receive a call asking for payments like these, just hang up the phone. If you have made an online order recently, you can always contact the business directly to confirm if there is a problem with it.

'Be sure to contact them through their official channels – don't use phone numbers or emails provided to you by potential scammers.”

More information including online safety tips and advice for parents is available on the NetSafe website.