Don’t let your guard down when it comes to shopping online for Xmas
SCAMMERS ARE OUT TO GRAB YOUR MONEY ON APPS & WEBSITES
Fraudsters will use the festive season to take advantage of shoppers
MORE than half of online shoppers worry about becoming a victim of a scam, new research reveals.
But while 75% of people say their personal security is more important than bagging a deal, almost half would buy from a website or firm they had never heard of if it meant they could get a good deal.
The survey by Nationwide Building Society also found that a third of people don’t know how to check if a website is secure.
Online scams are big business, raking in an average £675 from each victim over the past six months – up 7% on the same period last year.
Half of cases are for amounts of less than £200; typically for items advertised on auction sites that are paid for in advance but never arrive.
Stuart Skinner, Nationwide’s economic crime director, says: “Anyone can become a victim of a purchase scam because they can occur on any type of purchase.
“Scammers will use the guise of Christmas to step up their efforts to take advantage of people looking to purchase presents at the cheapest price. Straying from traditional shopping sites can bring additional risk, particularly when using social media.
“While it can often be awash with attractive adverts and offers, and potentially provide you with a bargain, there is a bigger chance of you falling foul of scam.”
The Nationwide research comes soon after research by Lloyds Bank, which revealed that more than three million people have been scammed since the start of the pandemic.
A lack of contact with others has made people more vulnerable to tricksters, and caused one in four to let down their guard against scams.
Paul Davis, retail fraud director at Lloyds, says: “Fraudsters are putting lots of energy into catching people with their guard down, and they’re ready to disappear as soon as they’ve got their hands on victims’ cash.”
CRIMINALS TACTICS
Criminals have a variety of tactics and they keep changing them to fit in with the current climate.
For example, they cash in on Covid-19 with scams around items such as face masks and sanitisers.
Plus, the fraudsters know more people are shopping online, so they are looking at every which way they can to trick them out of their money.
Most scams sell a popular item below the normal price.
The crook may sell one item over and over again, but never actually supply it to anyone.
TOP TIPS TO KEEP SAFER
■ Always use a reputable website/app to buy goods. Make sure that any website is secure – check the address begins “https” and that it has a padlock symbol, which indicates that it’s a secure site.
■ Be wary of clicking on links in texts or emails to a website as they could lead you to a bogus site that simply wants to get access to your personal details or trick you into paying for goods that don’t exist. Opening such links can also allow criminals to put a virus in your phone or computer.
■ Crooks are masters of impersonation – after all, they are out to trick you into believing they are genuine, and they are very good at it. They can create very impressive websites which mimic those of reputable firms.
Look out for spelling and grammar mistakes which may give them away.
■ For larger purchases (eg a car), make sure you see what you’re buying before parting with money. Don’t hand over any money until you’re received the goods and are happy with them.
■ Pay with a credit card whenever possible as they offer more protection should there be a problem with your purchase. Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, you are covered if you use your credit card to buy something that costs over £ 100 (up to £30,000). This means the card firm has equal responsibility with the seller if there’s a problem with something you’ve bought or the firm you bought it from goes bust.
Debit cards don’t offer this same protection. However, they have a protection called chargeback which means that if you don’t receive your goods, you may be able to get your cash back. It’s not a legal protection, and card companies offer it at their own discretion.
Avoid making direct money transfers as it’s unlikely you’ll get your money back.
■ Do your research to help avoid phony websites or voucher offers. If you’re not familiar with an organisation, check whether other people have had issues. And be wary of links as they could lead you to a copycat dodgy website.
■ Check reviews of the seller on auction sites – and make sure you
pay via a system such as PayPal that delays payment until you have received the goods.
■ Check your current account/ credit card statements, or log in to your online bank/mobile app regularly to look for any unrecognised transactions. Contact your bank immediately if you spot anything suspicious.
■ We all like a bargain, but be wary of buying an item if it looks too good to be true – it generally is. Knock-down prices on the latest must-haves could mean it’s fake or doesn’t exist at all.
■ If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or building society immediately as the quicker they are notified, the better the chance your money can be recovered.
ALWAYS...
■ Keep bank details, passwords and your PIN safe and private.
■ Make sure your browser and operating systems are up to date, and use anti-virus software to protect devices.
■ Double-check a person or organisation is who they say they are. A quick check could stop you becoming the next victim.