Warning after online scammers steal £13.5m

Online Christmas shoppers are being warned of the threat posed by cyber criminals after new figures show victims lost an average of nearly £800 each last year.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is launching a campaign to make people aware of online scammers during the festive period and say attackers swindled an average of £775 per incident over Christmas 2019.

According to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, there were 17,405 reports of online shopping fraud between November 1 2019 and January 31 2020 – resulting in a loss of £13.5m.

Paymaster General Penny Mo rd aunt said :" This year people have spent more time online than ever before. Whether it be working or shopping online, criminals and others often see the internet as another opportinity.

"As we approach the Christmas season, we should all be on our guard and take the practical Cyber Aware actions to stay safe as we work, shop and socialise online."

The campaign will remind people it is important to use a strong and separate password for their email and also recommends that twofactor authentication (2FA) be switched on, devices and apps are kept up to date, and data is backed up.

N CS C chief executive Lindy Cameron said: "Technology will play an essential role over the festive period, with more people shopping online than ever before.

"Scammers stole millions from internet shoppers last Christmas - but, by following our advice, you can protect yourself from the majority of their crimes. We hope the Cyber Aware campaign helps people to shop confidently online."