Gardaí issue advice for online shopping

GARDAI IN Bray have issued guidelines to encourage safe online shopping in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday on Nevmber 24 and 27, as well as the imminent busy Christmas retail period.

They said that Cyber Monday and Christmas is a time when consumers switch to online forums to get the last minute or cheap purchase.

Goods that aren’t available in stores can be found online, sometimes at cheaper prices; all of which increases the attraction of online shopping.

Anyone shopping on the Internet should take greater precautions when purchasing goods online then they would when they purchase in shops. An online marketplace doesn’t have the security of being face to face contact with seller in a known physical location so gardai have issued tips and advice.

Only buy from trusted sources, shops or brands that you are familiar with, and use credit cards when purchasing things online.

Make sure the data transfer is appropriately protected. Look for the padlock symbol. Think twice before allowing e-merchant stores to store your payment details. Be aware how to control the recurring charge if paying for a continuous service online, and always save all documents related to your online purchases.

If you are not buying a specific product or service, don’t submit your card details.

Avoid doing your online shopping at sites that don’t use full authentication. Never send your card number, PIN or any other card information to anyone by email

When purchasing something online from another person, do not send money up front. Never send your card details in an unencrypted email

Don’t send money to anyone you don’t know online. Remember, regularly check statements and transactions for any frauds or suspicious activity.

Report suspicious transactions to your local garda station and to your bank or card processor.

Further advice and crime prevention information is available at garda.ie.