Features
Shop Safely This Holiday Season By BRENDON PURCHASE
With the rise of online shopping, cybercrime and customer fraud have become the most prevalent type of fraud in Ireland. Irish people have lost over €1.1m online shopping fraud in 2020. Scams can range from phishing attempts to counterfeit websites designed to steal personal information. Be aware of possible scams to help you to protect yourself. Think before you click, don’t rush any transactions without checking things properly first. Stay safe online using a few of these tips. When shopping or making a payment online at any time, make sure that: • The web address begins with ‘https’, displays an encryption certificate (a padlock or unbroken key symbol) and uses
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a verified payment processing provider. You don’t do your shopping on public Wi-Fi networks or hotspots where your details are vulnerable. The website is a legitimate representation of the brand, and not a mirror or lookalike site; brand names are misspelled, and prices that are too low for the mispresented site. Your computer/tablet/ smartphone has the latest antivirus.
For many customers, a fear when shopping online is to have their card details stolen. Disposable cards provide users with a temporary, randomly generated card number, CVV, and expiration date to be used for a single transaction. Once the transaction is completed, the virtual card is automatically deleted, reducing the risk of unauthorised transactions, and safeguarding personal and financial information.
Be careful with links in emails and texts; links can lead to fake websites where you may be asked to share personal banking details, including activation codes. Never share banking details, including full online banking PIN, or other personal information.
If you think you have been victim of a scam: • Stop all contact with the scammer straight away • Do not send any more payments • If you paid by credit or debit card, tell your bank or card provider immediately • Report the incident to your local Garda station, as it is a criminal matter • Gather any records you have about the scam (such as emails or other communications) • Protect your devices by resetting your passwords and update your anti-virus software • Report the incident to consumer protection agencies.
Dress For Success
You’re over the first hurdle and you’ve made it to the interview phase, now what? I’ve seen many excellent candidates sell themselves short at the final hurdle just because they didn’t put the extra effort into their interview outfit. Here’s a few simple to tips to help you get over the line. The week before your interview pick out what you are going to wear. Check that it still fits. Make sure there are no stains. Dry clean or wash the items and make sure that they are pressed or ironed. Polish shoes. Men get a bad rap when it comes to fashion but the average gentleman’s sartorial knowledge
has improved a lot over the years, but some cardinal sins still exist. Buying expensive suits is not a remedy for something that fits poorly. If something is too big ask yourself if you can go a size smaller or look at getting it tailored. Equally, if you are of a stockier build explore looser fitting options instead of slim fitting shirts and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. If the sleeves are overlong take them to a tailor. The night before your interview lay out your suit. If you’ve bought a new shirt remove it from the packet and take out all of the pins (it will save you three minutes in the morning when you are rushing). Iron it. Layout shirts & ties and match them. A favourite solution I’ve come across for clients who are colour blind is to have a number system
Issue 103 December 1st, 2023
DiscoverDuhallow@irdduhallow.com
By GERARD BROWNE
Development officer, IRD Duhallow
written on the garment labels. An example of this would be number 1 shirt (Which could be white) will match with a number 3 tie (which could be lilac). A search for complementary colours and bit of preparation time on a slow afternoon can transform your wardrobe options. When not to suit up Suits or formal wear aren’t always required for every job. Whether it’s for a job in the gym or some other more relaxed environment being neat and tidy and having clothes clean goes a long way.
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