🛒Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Fraud

🛒Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Fraud

With more people shopping online, fraudsters continue to target shoppers through fake websites, social media adverts, fraudulent marketplace listings and phishing messages.

✅ Shop with reputable retailers and research unfamiliar websites before making a purchase.

🔒 Check website security. Look for "https://" and the padlock symbol before entering any payment details.

💳 Pay securely using a credit card or trusted payment service where possible. Avoid bank transfers when purchasing from unknown sellers.

📱 Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Criminals often use heavily discounted prices to attract victims.

⚠️ Beware of fake delivery messages claiming there is a problem with your parcel or requesting additional payment. Do not click links from unexpected texts or emails.

🛍️ Take care when buying through online marketplaces and social media platforms. Check seller reviews and avoid making payments outside the platform's secure payment system.

🔑 Use strong, unique passwords for online shopping accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.

👀 Monitor your bank accounts regularly and report any suspicious transactions immediately.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank as soon as possible and report it to Action Fraud. UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud

📞 Report suspicious activity or seek advice via 101. In an emergency, call 999.