Festive Fraud

Are you shopping online for last-minute pressies?

Be careful – not everyone is full of Christmas cheer. 

Massive numbers are logging on for festive shopping – but callous fraudsters prowl cyberspace.

Cyber criminals conned consumers out of £12m last Christmas.

Action Fraud received more than 10,000 crime reports, with the average loss to victims at £1,700.

Security Minister James Brokenshire said, “The public should stay vigilant to ensure they don’t lose their hard-earned money on fakes and fraud. Simple steps will help to avoid cyber fraudsters.”

Here are some tips for staying safe:

• Check the URL of websites – criminal websites can be spotted because the address is slightly different.
• Ensure the website address begins ‘https’ at the payment stage – this indicates a secure payment. 
• Never access a link in an unsolicited email-always type in the website address or use a search engine to find a site.
• Only use sites you know.
• Use PayPal, which offers protection.
• Watch out for pop-ups asking you to confirm your card details before you are on the payment stage. Never enter your PIN number online.
• If your bid for an online auction item is unsuccessful, don’t be tempted to trade off site.