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

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

• 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.