Police alert on internet payments
CHESHIRE police are urging Halton internet users to take care when making paying online as the force launched a campaign to raise awareness about the risks posed by cybercriminals.
The force said risks online include fraudsters advertising non-existent products and services such as event tickets, travel, holidays, accommodation, gambling, gaming and used cars.
Using auction sites, social media, fake and copycat websites or in some cases even real accommodation websites, they look to nab cash from unsuspecting web users.
Fraudsters also use unsolicited emails, letters and phone calls to trick victims into handing over bank details or into making payments to them.
Residents are urged to make sure anyone contacting them is authentic by calling the rele- vant company before engaging.
Cheshire police have issued a list of other tips to stay safe online:
Do not pay by direct transfer to an unknown recipient or company – it is unlikely that victims will ever see the money again.
Make sure websites are genuine by carefully checking the address is correct as fraudsters can set up convincing fakes with only slight differences to the real ones, meaning it is best to type in a confirmed correct address rather than pasting or clicking on a link.
Ensure that payment pages are secure, by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ – ‘s’ stands for secure – and that there is a closed padlock in the address bar.
Always log out of an account after making an online payment as simply closing the page might not do this.
Do not make online payments using wi-fi hotspots, as these may be either not secure or fake and the transaction could be intercepted.
Accept extra banking security measures.
Make sure to have up-todate internet security software loaded and running and updates for operating systems, software and apps to prevent malware infections that can divert payments.
Never click on attachments in unexpected emails or links in random emails, posts or texts.
Only download mobile apps from authorised app stores to avoid fakes.
Use strong, separate passwords for email accounts, which can be created by using three random words, with some characters replaced or added to with numbers and symbols.
The Safe Payments campaign is the brainchild of the Get Safe Online public-private partnership supported by the Government and banking, retail and internet security sectores.
Tony Neate, Get Safe Online chief executive, said: “These days you can pay for almost anything online – products, services, tickets, holidays … even your next car, van or motorcycle.
“You can donate to charity, buy a driving licence or passport or pay to download, stream, play or gamble online.
“It is fast and convenient, but there are also risks attached, with cybercriminals doing all they can to divert your money into their pockets.
“Our new Safe Payments campaign aims to thwart these cybercriminals by informing people how they can protect themselves and their finances.”
Detective Sergeant Chris Maddocks, from Cheshire Constabulary’s cybercrime team, said: “Unfortunately there are a number of pitfalls when it comes to making payments online, with cybercriminals ready to take advantage of those who are not as vigilant as they could be.
“People need to be aware of ways to make sure that the online payments they make are safe and secure, to both protect their finances and to stop criminals in their tracks as they look to commit online fraud and cyber and crime.
“As such, we wholeheartedly support the new Safe Payments campaign and urge people to be vigilant and follow our partner organisation Get Safe Online’s advice when paying for things online.”
The new campaign offers the following expert tips to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals when making online payments:
Victims of fraud should report it to @actionfrauduk at www.actionfraud.police.uk or alternatively by calling 0300 123 2040.
For more information about the campaign go online at www. getsafeonline. org/ safepayments cyber enabled