Stay Safe Online this Christmas

•       Our seasonal celebrations are a favourite time for scammers to send fraudulent emails, texts or DMs, or post fraudulent offers on social media. with Christmas looming and an increase in internet shopping, fake parcel firm delivery notifications are commonplace attachments or links, as are emails and other messages featuring ‘special offers’ and ‘prizes’. Don’t click on links in emails, texts or posts that you’re not expecting, and don’t open unexpected email attachments.

•       When shopping on the internet, confirm websites you visit are authentic by carefully checking the address is spelt correctly. Consider typing it in, rather than clicking on a link in an email, text or post. It is easy for scammers to set up fake websites that are very similar to the real thing.

•       Make sure payment pages are secure by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ (‘s’ is for secure) and there is a closed padlock in the address bar (the padlock means that the page is secure. WARNING the site could still be operated by fraudsters.

•       Many advertisements for items such as gifts, holidays and events on social media and online forums are genuine, but be aware others may be fraudulent. Be extra vigilant about checking advertisements are authentic.

•       However desperate you are to buy that late gift or an item that is in short supply, do not pay for anything by transferring money directly to people or companies you do not know. If it is a fraudulent supplier, it is doubtful your bank will be able to recover or refund your money. If you can, pay by credit card. The same goes for holidays, travel and tickets.

•       Log out of the web page or app when payment is completed. Simply closing it may not log you out automatically.

•       When you are out and about don’t use Wi-Fi hotspots when logging in or paying, they could be insecure or fake. Look after your devices as they make attractive targets for thieves and be wary of people looking at your screen over your shoulder.

•       Fake or counterfeit goods are of inferior quality, contravene copyright law and affect the livelihoods of workers who make the real thing. They can also be dangerous to users. Do not buy them intentionally, however cheap or ‘authentic’ they make look, and do all you can to make sure what you are buying is authentic.

•       Avoid ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ trials whether it is for the latest handset or slimming pills. Without thoroughly reading the small print and trusted reviews, you could be signing up for large monthly direct debits which are very hard to cancel.

•       If you are thinking about a winter holiday or short break, check what you are booking online is genuine by doing thorough research. Look for independent reviews, and make sure travel agents / tour operators are genuine by checking for an ABTA/ATOL number. Pay by credit card for extra protection.

•       Never use your Lincolnshire Scouting email account to set up personal online store or other accounts.

•       If you think you have fallen victim to fraud, report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

•       If you have received a suspected phishing email, forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s) Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at report@phishing.gov.uk.

For information on shopping safely online, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of information and advice on online safety and security, for the public and small businesses. Established in 2006, it is a not- for-profit, public/private sector initiative backed by a number of law enforcement agencies and leading organisations in internet security, banking and retail.

For more information and expert, easy-to-follow, impartial advice on safeguarding yourself,

your family, finances and devices, visit www.getsafeonline.org.