Stay safe buying online this Christmas

Scammers are increasingly relying on the internet to achieve the results they want which is to defraud you or to steal your identity.

There are lots of scams circulating using email and social networks. They will ask for your personal details, bank or credit card numbers or online logins and passwords.

• Never open emails that look odd and don’t click on links that you are not sure of
• Know who you are dealing with if you are providing any personal data. Note banks will never ask for your account numbers or pin details
• Be suspicious if anyone asks you for personal or financial information
• Often the scams will try to look like regular accounts
• Make sure you don’t provide enough information online or through social networks that will help people to steal your identity
• Make sure you are using a secure website for any purchases in some browsers there will be a padlock symbol to denote a secure site
• Ensure you have security software that will block spam or phishing emails. The software and anti-virus needs to be kept up-to-date as scammers are continually trying to find ways round security measures

Scammers are continually looking for ways to defraud you or steal your identity.

The national fraud reporting centre – Action Fraud – is where any online frauds should be reported. Their website has an online reporting form:

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-a-fraud-including-online-crime-questions

...or you can call 0300 123 2040.