Online shopping sales have increased significantly throughout the pandemic and more people who have turned to online shopping will continue to shop this way in the future. With Black Friday sales and people buying Christmas presents, this is a very busy time for online sales, but it is also a time where cybercriminals are more likely to take advantage of increased opportunities.
Research revealed that online shopping and auction fraud was up by 37% in the first half of 2020, compared to the same period the previous year and the second half of 2020 is likely to show even higher numbers, as fraudsters target Christmas shoppers.
How to be more vigilant while online shopping
By understanding the more common scams and some of the security measures you can take, you will be less likely to fall victim to an online scam. Here are some tips:
Research your retailers
If you are thinking of using a brand you have never heard of, make sure you do a bit of research first. Check out any online reviews on independent sites such as Trustpilot or Google and take a look through their social media. You can also check that they have legitimate contact details on their website.
Check the website is secure
All websites that take card payments should be secure, which you can tell by looking for the small padlock icon in the URL bar at the top of the page. The website address should also start with ‘HTTPS' with the ‘s’ standing for secure.
Keep your security software up to date
Make sure that the device you are using for online shopping has up to date antivirus software and any other relevant security features recommended for your device.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi
Open networks such as the ones you might use when you go into a café, pub or restaurant, or ones provided on public transport are not secure and are often targeted by hackers. If you are online shopping away from home, use your 4G as it is encrypted for added security, which is not the case with public Wi-Fi.
Use PayPal or credit card
Making payments through PayPal or a credit card gives you additional protection for any items you buy. Credit card protection helps you to claim money back if there is an issue with the purchase.
Avoid suspicious emails
If you receive an email from a company that you do not remember adding yourself to the mail list for, be aware. Fraudsters use email phishing to try and convince you to provide details, so always be wary of any email asking you to click onto a link or provide any personal or bank details.
Too many security questions
When you get to the online checkout, you will generally go through your bank’s authorisation process, which usually should only ask a couple of security questions. If you think there are more questions than usual, don’t go through with the transaction, as it could be a hacker trying to gain all of your security details.
If you are in the unfortunate position where you are affected by a data breach, Emerald Law can provide expert legal advice on how to claim compensation and we offer a NO WIN NO FEE service.