As more people use the internet to shop, sell items and manage everyday tasks, it is increasingly important to stay aware of online fraud. Criminals are constantly developing new ways to target individuals, but by following some simple steps you can protect yourself, your devices and your personal information.
Recently, AI generated videos have emerged of consumer expert Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert) endorsing investment opportunities, which have circulated on Meta platforms including Instagram and Facebook. These can seem very genuine and have already misled many people into transferring funds into fake investment accounts. An example of how sophisticated online scams have now become.
Our guide below provides some straightforward advice to help you stay safe when buying and selling online. However, if you want more support or have concerns around online safety, why not get in touch with one of our Digital Support Champions? Make an appointment to explore how to install some of these important safety features and discuss ways to stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.
Digital Support Sessions – Click here to find out more
Buying Online – Shop Safely
Online shopping offers convenience and often a wider choice of goods, but it also comes with greater risks.
AI is making it easier to mislead buyers with fake products and retailers can now gather information on your buying habits to be more targeted with their advertising campaigns, tailoring them towards products that you may have been searching for.
Be aware of:
• Fake websites, lack of reviews and misleading offers
• Refund and return policies on goods not as described or that do not arrive.
• Requests to pay outside secure systems
• Prices that seem to good to be true especially on high value items
Top tips:
• Check the website address carefully. It should begin with https:// and display a padlock symbol
• Watch out for subtle spelling errors or unusual website addresses
• Look for genuine customer reviews and a physical contact address
• Pay by credit card where possible, as this offers greater buyer protections
• Avoid making payments on public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid using “Friends and Family” payment options when making purchases via PayPal
• Use unique passwords if you must set up an account to order
• Always log back out of accounts with your registered details
Selling Online – Protect Yourself
Online marketplaces make it easy to sell unwanted items. Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe, selling electronics or passing on furniture, the internet offers a huge audience and fast, easy transactions, but sellers can also be targeted by fraudsters.
Be aware of:
• Overpayment scams followed by refund requests
• Claims that an item has not been received
• Fake payment confirmations
• Requests to move conversations away from official platforms
Top tips:
• Use trusted platforms that offer buyer and seller protection such as Ebay and Vinted
• Only send items once payment has been received and confirmed
• Use tracked delivery services and keep proof of postage
• Take photos of yourself packing and sending an item with time stamps
• Keep records of all messages, transactions and delivery receipts until the sale is complete
• Do not share unnecessary personal or financial information
Entertainment & Sporting Events - Buying Tickets
Tickets to big events often sell out fast, which can make it more tempting to buy them from sources other than official websites. However, one in ten people in the UK have been victims of a ticketing scam online, paying for tickets that do not exist, being refused entry to an event or revealing their card details to a fraudster.
Many professional ticket touts are systematically buying up tickets on the primary market and reselling them to fans at inflated prices. The government has conducted a full consultation and will introduce price caps and better legislation for the resale market, but these measures have not yet been implemented.
Be aware of:
• Dynamic pricing strategies
• Bogus ticketing sites
• Hugely inflated ticket prices from the original face value
• Online forums and social media pages that claim to have tickets available
Top tips:
• Buying only from official sellers or reputable resale websites like Ticketmaster, Scarlet Mist or Twickets
• Buying from a private seller like Facebook, Ebay or street vendors offers no protection
• Avoiding direct bank transfers to individuals
• Ignoring unsolicited emails offering tickets or discounts with redirection links
• Check any restrictions on who can use resold tickets as proof of ID is often needed at the venue
• Check for unique barcodes, QR codes and watermarks that can often be used to identify genuine tickets
Subscription Traps
Some introductory offers may appear low-cost or free of charge but result in regular ongoing payments. Most of these can usually be cancelled or paused at anytime but often still result in automatic transactions at the end of a trial period and can go unnoticed if you forget to unsubscribe.
These are commonly found with app services, online dating profiles, food deliveries, TV channels, supplements and beauty products. They can seem to offer a good saving initially but it is always important to consider the longer term cost implications and if it is something you are willing to be tied into.
Be aware of:
• Complex cancellation policies
• Automatic renewals
• Accidental subscriptions
• Minimum terms
Top Tips:
• Reading terms and conditions carefully
• Check cancelation conditions and minimum terms
• Setting a reminder to cancel any unwanted subscriptions a week before the renewal date
• Monitoring your bank and phone bill statements regularly
Using Devices in Public Places
Shopping on the go and making online payments for goods and services using laptops, tablets or smartphones in public spaces can also expose you to additional risks. Whether using your own device or a public computer like the ones here at the Community offer there are things to be aware of.
Top tips:
• Avoid sensitive activities, such as online banking and making payments on public Wi-Fi
• Deleting web browser history on public computers and logging out of accounts after use
• Consider changing passwords after using public computers
• Being aware of others who may be able to see your screen
Key Safety Checklist
• Use strong and different passwords for each account
• Frequently change passwords and log out of accounts after use
• Do not click on links in unexpected emails or messages
• Keep antivirus and security software up to date
• Check your bank and card statements regularly
If you have fallen victim to fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
You can seek additional support from Citizens Advice who offer virtual appointments booked via Mashamshire Community Office on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.
It also helps to talk to a friend, family member or someone within the community to share your experience and make others aware of the latest techniques being used.
If you have received a suspicious email or text, you can now take a screenshot and ‘Ask Silver’ an AI powered tool that can be found on WhatsApp and online, allowing you to check communications and indicate whether it is considered safe or a ‘Red Flag’, also suggesting next steps to stay safe. Click here
Need Support?
If you would like help improving your online safety, our Digital Support Champions can help to check your antivirus and security software is up to date and also assist you with:
• Setting up devices securely
• Making secure online payments
• Using online banking
• Explaining how to recognise scams and AI generated content
• Building confidence in using the internet safely
Please contact us to arrange a one-to-one session or click here to find out more about our drop in sessions.
