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 criminals know it.  

They create fake websites and target social media, auction sites and marketplaces, selling everything from laptops and concert tickets to holidays.   

They also impersonate delivery companies sending messages for undelivered parcels that take you to a fake website, where they can steal your money and personal information, or infect your device.

How to spot fraud

Fraudsters know most of us love a bargain, so they use discounts, time pressure and fear of missing out to pressure people into acting quickly.  

Be wary of:

• Last-minute ticket posts on social media and incredible offers for sold-out events that no one else can supply. 
• Incredible limited time offers for holidays and goods at lower-than-normal prices. 
• Requests for payment before delivery of a parcel or if you have lost a parcel.  

How to protect yourself

• If you see a tempting offer don’t be rushed into a quick decision, always take a moment to stop, think and check if the offer or advert is genuine.  
• Always check seller reviews on trusted customer review websites before booking holidays or buying items. 
• Protect your online accounts by using passkeys wherever they are available (or 2-step verification as a secure alternative). Passkeys are a more secure alternative to passwords that you don’t need to remember as they are created and managed safely by the software on your device(s) 
• 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.  
• Check a delivery request is genuine by contacting the organisation directly through their official website or app. Avoid clicking any links in unexpected messages.