Boxing Day shopping fraud warning as West Midlands Police issue statement

Scammers use Boxing Day as a prime opportunity to target unsuspecting shoppers through fake websites and phishing email

West Midlands Police are urging shoppers to be extra vigilant this Boxing Day as criminals look exploit those looking to grab amazing online deals.

The force warned that it’s easy to let your guard down and fraudsters are always on the lookout for unsuspecting shoppers.

Scammers use Boxing Day as a prime opportunity to target shoppers through fake websites and phishing emails, police said.

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Detective Constable Rachel Hensley, from the police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Boxing Day is a prime target for online scammers.

“With millions of people eager to snap up discounted goods, the internet becomes a breeding ground for fraudulent activity.

“These sophisticated criminals employ a variety of tactics to deceive unsuspecting shoppers, from creating fake websites and sending phishing emails to exploiting social media platforms.

“If you suspect you’ve been targeted or are a victim of fraud, report it immediately to Report Fraud.

“We’re working around the clock acting on the information you report in to stop scammers and protect those most vulnerable in our communities.”

WMP have issued 10 top tips to avoid being caught out.

Top tips to stay safe while hunting for bargains online:

• Double-check the website address: Make sure the website address starts with “https” (the “s” stands for secure). Look for a padlock symbol in your browser bar. Avoid clicking on links to online store in emails or texts. Instead, type the official website address directly into your browser.
• Beware of phishing emails, texts, and even social media posts: Be wary of links received that appear to be from legitimate retailers offering exclusive deals. These could be phishing attempts designed to coerce you into making payments or handing over your bank details.
• Pay with secure methods: Use trusted payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, which offer buyer protection. Never pay by bank transfer. When buying things second-hand in person or through market place sites, be warying of exchanging large amounts of cash. Remember to inspect the item before buying and bring a trusted person with you to witness the purchase.
• Only provide mandatory details at checkout: Avoid creating unnecessary accounts or providing information that is not linked to your purchase. Don’t allow your browser to remember or store payment details.
• Check product reviews carefully: Before making a purchase, read reviews from consumer websites or other customers to spot any potential scams or red flags.
• Use strong passwords for all your online accounts. Use unique, strong passwords for every single online account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible: It’s also known as 2-step verification (2SV) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. This helps prevent access to your accounts even if your password has been compromised.
• Keep your tech updated: Regularly update your devices and software. These updates often include security patches that protect you against known vulnerabilities.
• Keep an eye on your bank statements: Check your bank statements regularly for any unauthorised transactions.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is: Be wary of deals that seem significantly lower than anywhere else