TOP TIPS TO HELP PROTECT YOURSELF
ENSURE THE WEBSITE IS SECURE
LOOK for the padlock symbol in the address bar of the website and check the address starts with https://. These are both signs that the website is secure. Remember that this doesn’t tell you about the seller or the company – it’s just the site.
STEER CLEAR OF PUBLIC WIFI NETWORKS
PUBLIC WiFi networks aren’t secure in the same way private ones are. This means that any information or data, including addresses, card details and passwords, are visible to other users. If shopping online, use a private WiFi connection where possible or your own mobile data.
STICK TO WEBSITES AND SELLERS YOU TRUST
DEALS and discounts can always be tempting, but it’s best to stick to websites you trust or have used before. If you are using a new website, do some research – read reviews and check forums for chatter around dodgy firms to help you make sure it is legitimate. When you’re using online platforms, the same goes, do your research on the seller.
Genuine sellers will usually have held accounts for longer and will have received positive reviews from a variety of buyers over time – so check out their history, and only use payment methods that verify their identity.
IF SOMETHING LOOKS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE IT USUALLY IS
THE online world is full of counterfeit goods and people impersonating others and organisations. Even the most experienced shoppers can sometimes fail to spot the difference between what’s real and what’s fake. Again, do some research and price-check the item. If it’s heavily discounted, there is usually a reason why.
DON’T CLICK ON LINKS IN UNEXPECTED EMAILS OR TEXTS
BE careful not to automatically click on a link in an email or text that you didn’t expect to receive. While retailers often target shoppers who haven’t checked out or have items sitting in their basket, be wary as it can be a link to a bogus site to trick unsuspecting shoppers into giving away personal information or bank and credit cards details.
AVOID BEING RUSHED OR PRESSURED TO
MAKE A PAYMENT UNDER no circumstances will a legitimate or trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot – the same goes for genuine sellers on online platforms. LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS
IF SOMETHING feels wrong or looks too good to be true, don’t be afraid to question the situation. Follow your gut instinct. Fraudsters will try to lull you into a false sense of security, so stay alert and keep an eye out for any inconsistent or unusual behaviours. While they might appear trustworthy at first, they may not always be
who they claim to be.
STAY IN CONTROL OF YOUR MONEY, AND REPORT ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS
IF YOU’RE worried that you may be at risk, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040, actionfraud.police.uk) straight away. One of the best ways to stay safe is to use a secure way to pay, such as Shieldpay, which verifies the identity of the buyer and seller. Such firms hold money securely, and only release it once both parties are happy.