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Stop! Think Fraud

Protect yourself from fraud this festive shopping season

Black Friday and the lead up to the festive season is a busy time for everyone when it comes to online shopping and deliveries—and fraudsters know it.

Criminals create fake websites and target social media, auction sites and marketplaces, selling poor-quality or non-existent items.

They also impersonate delivery companies, sending links to fraudulent websites to steal your money, personal details or infect your device. They can even ‘spoof’ the mobile number, so it appears from a genuine contact or supplier.

Don’t rush to buy

Fraudsters know most of us love a bargain, so they use discounts, time pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out) to pressure people into paying out for non-existent or poor quality items.

If you see a tempting offer don’t be rushed into a quick decision, always take a moment to stop and think if the offer or advert is genuine.

  • research the company or seller by looking at reviews on trusted review sites
  • never pay by bank transfer and use a credit card if you have one
  • check out as a guest if you can and avoid saving card details

Beware of delivery scams

If you receive a message or phone call about a delivery, stop and think if the request is genuine before handing over personal information or making a payment.

  • contact the company directly using their official website or app 
  • do not click on links in unexpected messages 

Turn on 2-step verification to protect your important accounts

Always use 2-step verification (2SV) where possible to protect important online accounts like your email and social media, as well as any accounts that contain lots of personal or sensitive information.

2SV adds an extra layer of protection, so even if a criminal knows your password, they will not be able to access your account. 

2SV can usually be found in the security settings of your account. Sometimes it’s called 2-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Turn on 2SV for email

Take a few minutes to secure your online accounts now.

Reporting fraud

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, find out how to report it.