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Lockdown has had a lasting impact on the way we shop. Half of Brits say they have increased how much shopping they do online. Four in five of us admit to using the internet to purchase goods at least once a week, while 11% claim to shop online once a day, research by internet security firm McAfee has revealed.
Black Friday falls just before the end of lockdown 2.0 this year, which means many of us will have no option but to shop online, especially if you want to secure Christmas gifts. But with the increase in purchasing online comes the increase in falling victim to a scam. In fact, nearly three-quarters (74%) of Brits are concerned that COVID-19 means online scams will be more prevalent this year. Follow these top tips to ensure you stay safe when shopping online.
1. Is it too good to be true?
Been sent an email or text message with a ‘too good to be true’ deal on it. Stop before you click the link in the email. It could be a phishing scam that’s trying to trick you into entering your log-in details into hoax website. Alternatively, the link may be designed infect your computer with malicious software. Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and misspelt web addresses are all signs of a hoax email. If in doubt, don’t click the link in the email. If you’ve received an email about a bargain, don’t click the link. Instead type the web address for the site yourself into your browser’s URL bar, and check to see if the offer is listed.
2. Do your research
If it’s a retailer you’ve never heard of before, check out the reviews of the site TrustPilot and Feefo. Be on the look out for comments about delivery time, quality of the goods or non-arrival of goods.
3. Gift card caution
The number of Brits buying digital gift vouchers looks set to increase this year, with 20% planning to opt for these as Christmas presents. However, when purchasing gift vouchers online almost three in ten admit they never check that the link is safe. If you’re planning on buying a digital gift card, never resort to a web search as you could accidentally stumble across a scam site. Again, type the web address of the retailer yourself into your web browser (you can always bookmark the page so you don’t have to do this every time). Also make sure you install internet security software on your devices, and regularly install any software updates. This adds an extra layer of protection, potentially blocking threats or alerting you to malicious sites.
4. Use one credit card
Use one credit card solely for online shopping (avoid debit cards as these trace directly to your bank). Make sure the credit limit is set to a level that you’d be able to cope without, if the card were to be stolen. If your bank offers it, sign up to the Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode schemes for your credit or debit cards too. This adds a second layer of protection, as you’ll be required to set a password and asked to input specific characters from it before any online purchase can go through. Finally, make sure a site is secure before entering credit card details. Look for https:// in the URL bar, or a padlock symbol.
5. Don’t use public wi-fi
The chances of you being out and about during lockdown are slim, but it’s always worth remembering if you’re using free wi-fi, be wary of pressing that purchase button.
Hackers lurk on free wi-fi in a bid to intercept personal information you might transmit online, such as usernames or credit card numbers. To ensure you remain safe when surfing the web – wherever you are – you can buy and download privacy software that shields any data being transmitted between your device and the wi-fi router so it can’t be intercepted. These are called Virtual Private Networks (or VPNs) such as McAfee’s Same Contect VPN or Nord VPN.
Robert Daly
6. Watch our for delivery scams
The risk isn’t over once you’ve entered your credit card details. Hoax emails claiming a fee is required to ensure your good are delivered have also been doing the rounds. The emails purport to be from Royal Mail and other courier companies. If you receive such an email, contact the delivery company directly, rather than use links or telephone numbers in the email to confirm if a payment is required. Royal Mail said they would never require a customer to input card details via an email link. You can see a list of Royal Mail realted scams on their website.
What to do if you have been scammed?
Contact your bank immediately, as they may be able to stop the payment and return it to your bank. If the scam involved entering your username or password for any online accounts, change the password immediately (and on any other account the same password is used) Follow our advice on creating strong, secure passwords.
Report the scam to Action Fraud either through their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
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