How to Stay Safe When Shopping Online:

1. Be cautious with payments - If a seller asks you to transfer money directly into a bank account, stop. This method offers little protection if things go wrong. Credit cards are a safer option, offering stronger consumer safeguards.

2. Check websites carefully - Fraudsters go to great lengths to mimic genuine online shops. Always type web addresses manually into your browser and double-check for spelling errors. You can verify sites using tools like Get Safe Online’s website checker.

3. Don’t trust every advert - Just because something is advertised online doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Extremely low prices are a red flag, but scammers also use realistic pricing to avoid suspicion. Never send money for items you haven’t seen in person.

4. Avoid clicking blindly - Suspicious links in emails, texts, or social media messages are a common trap. If in doubt, upload them to Get Safe Online’s Ask Silver tool for advice.

5. Look for secure checkout pages - Legitimate payment pages should start with “https://” and show a padlock icon. While this means your data is encrypted, it doesn’t guarantee the site itself is genuine — scammers can fake these too.

6. Watch out for counterfeits - Knock-off goods can be poor quality or even dangerous. Stick to trusted retailers if you want the real deal.

7. Read the fine print on ‘free trials’ - Offers that ask you to “just pay postage” may hide costly subscriptions. These can be hard to cancel, especially for health products or slimming pills. Always read reviews and terms before signing up.

8. Beware of delivery scams - Fake texts and emails claiming to be from delivery companies often ask for a small fee to release your parcel. Keep track of your orders and know which courier is being used to spot fakes.

9. Don’t fall for fake discounts - Some sellers inflate prices before offering a “discount.” Compare across retailers to ensure you’re getting a genuine deal.

Report Fraud Quickly

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately — it may help recover your money. You can report fraud to Action Fraud at: www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling: 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.

For more tips on staying safe online, visit: www.getsafeonline.org