But an increase in online shopping means we’re at more risk of falling for scams and the National Cyber Security Centre is warning shoppers to be extra vigilant as fraudsters employ artificial intelligence (AI) to dupe victims. ​

This month we’ve put together a helpful list of dos and don’ts to help you stay safe when shopping online during the festive season.

Make Sure Your Device is Secure
However you shop online – whether on your smartphone, tablet or PC, always make sure your device is up to date with the latest operating system. This will ensure you are protected against any security or privacy weaknesses. If you haven’t already, then install a reputable antivirus software and remember to check for updates regularly.

Be Careful Where you Shop
Generally, you’re safer when shopping on sites for well-known big brands – they should have robust security systems to help prevent data breaches. This doesn’t mean you should avoid small businesses, but you do need to take a bit more care- check the authenticity of website links by searching the web address manually (don’t click on links you’ve been sent from 3rd parties). Google has a handy URL checker to help you verify the safety of a link- simply copy and paste the link into the checker. Look at reviews and feedback from trusted sources such as consumer websites like Which? and Trustpilot.

Use a Credit Card to Pay for Goods
Paying with a credit card gives you extra protection if things go wrong. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act you are covered by credit card protection if you use your credit card for purchases for single items costing over £100 and under £30000.

Debit card transactions are not covered under Section 75, but they do protect purchases under £100 via chargeback. Do not agree to pay for goods by bank transfer.

When you are completing a purchase online always check the site is secure in the browser address bar. Although this doesn’t actually protect your purchase it does ensure you are using a secure connection, vital when you are inputting sensitive data online!

Be Vigilant
Scammers and fraudsters will be upping their game as we head towards December so expect an increase in spammy emails, questionable texts about missed deliveries and dodgy ads on social media. Last year Which? reported that 1 in 6 were targeted by scam ads.

When Things Go Wrong 
If you order a product or service and things aren’t quite right, then in the first instance you should try to resolve it with the retailer. If you need to take things further then check out this useful guide from the Citizens Advice Bureau. It has all the information you need when trying to claim refunds when you pay by PayPal or card.

If you accidentally click a dodgy link then don’t panic – run your antivirus software to do a thorough check of your device and contact a professional IT technician for further advice.

Cyber fraud is a growing problem that we’re all well aware of. Scam emails and texts are increasingly common with more and more of us being targeted by fraudsters. The Covid 19 pandemic has seen an increase in these types of cyber crimes, last month the BBC reported that £34.5 million had been stolen in pandemic scams with more than 6000 cases of covid-related fraud and cyber crime being recorded throughout the pandemic.
 
Two recent scams reported in the media are the Amazon Parcel Delivery and Royal Mail Parcel returned to depot. Typical of phishing scams, the email or text has a link which takes you to a scam site where you are asked for personal details and/or payment. Many people have been caught out by these scams because at first glance they do appear to be from the companies they’re claiming to be. Across social media people are sharing their stories of how they have fallen victim to scams such as the ‘missed delivery’ text.

If you receive a suspicious text or email:

• Do not click the link unless you are sure or the origin of the text.
• Check Royal Mail for recent scams here
• Royal Mail will always leave a card if you miss an attempted delivery
• Report suspicious messages to Action Fraud
• Which have some great tips for spotting scam texts and emails

 
What to do if you fall victim to a phishing scam:

• Contact your bank as soon as you realise.
• Get your devices checked over by a professional.
• File Genie can identify viruses and malware and get your devices cleaned, safe and up and running for you.

 
Keep your devices safe:

• Make sure you install and update anti virus software - don’t forget your smartphone and tablets!
• Make sure your antivirus is turned on - sounds obvious but it’s easily forgotten about
• Ensure your operating system is up to date
• Suspicious email or text? Delete it! If it’s important the sender will find another way to contact you.

 
For more information about how you can protect your computers and devices and keep them running smoothly, contact File Genie.

Most spam and scam emails will be caught by your email client but one or two are clever enough to creep in to your inbox. Would you know how to spot them if they do? These seven points should help you…
 

1. How does the sender greet you? Do they use your first name, or Mr/Mrs XXX? Or do they do something rather odd such as using the first part of your email address? For example: if your email address is [email protected], they might use ‘Dear ANOther’. This is a classic warning sign that the email might come from an untrustworthy source and you should not open it.
2. Poor spelling or grammar – does the email read as though it has been generated by a machine, or translated from another language? Are there spelling errors? Leave these emails well alone.
3. Is the email pressurising you into giving your password or any personal details? NEVER click on anything in such an email, ditch it immediately.
4. If you have not entered a competition, you can’t possibly have won a prize, no matter how amazing it seems. In general, if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
5. If you are not expecting a delivery, don’t open any delivery notes, or invoices, especially if they come from a company you have never used.
6. Likewise, the Inland Revenue and other government departments will not use email as a first point of contact with you, if you have not recently been talking to them in some other way, don’t open emails purporting to be from them. More Info >
7. Scammers will often use an email address that looks similar to one you might use, but always look very carefully at them. The section after the @ symbol can be very telling, for instance a British company will usually have an email address ending in .co.uk or .org.uk  If it looks odd… it probably is.

 
In short, use your common sense and if an email doesn’t look right, leave well alone. It’s better to ignore an email and then receive another form of communication from a genuine sender than to open a scam email and have it corrupt your computer.

'Scam or Phishing Emails and 7 Ways to Spot Them’ - written for File Genie by Freelance Writer Ruth Raymer @WritingWalking