Surge In Online Shopping Fraud

Thursday, 26 November 2020 20:01

Reports of online shopping fraud have surged by 30% over the pandemic as many of us continue to shop online in light of current restrictions.

Figures from Action Fraud show that criminals conned 17,407 shoppers out of almost £13.5 million over the Christmas period last year, an increase of over 20% when compared to the same period in 2018.

Action Fraud is warning the public to take extra care when shopping online, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as shoppers search for bargains and gifts for loved ones in the run up to Christmas.

Top tips to shop online securely this festive season:

Where to shop:
Making a purchase from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.

Your information:
Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.

Payments:
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, ensure that the webpage where you enter your payment details is secure (website address starts with “https”). Using a credit card to pay online also means that should the worst happen and your payment details are compromised, your main bank account won’t be directly affected.

Phishing:
Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure, don’t use the link – go separately to the website. Report any suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk You can also report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726.

For more information about how to shop online securely, please visit:
actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely

Message Sent By:
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National).

More from Local News

Blues Match Report: Chester FC 1 - 1 Marine

Video

A late equaliser from James Jones earned a point for the Blues, at the Deva Stadium this evening, against Marine.
Wanted man from Ellesmere Port arrested and charged

A wanted man from Ellesmere Port has been arrested and charged in relation to a number of thefts across the area.
'Winter Warmer' initiative for local over 60’s in North Wales

From 1st November until the end of February, Asda is offering people aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, bread and unlimited tea or coffee for just £1 in any of Asda’s 212 cafes – this includes in-store cafés in North Wales.
Inaugural meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board

The first formal meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board took place on Friday 31st October, following the area’s constituent councils’ approval to move forward with devolution.
Cheetah brothers arrive at Chester Zoo

Video

Conservationists at Chester Zoo have welcomed two very special new arrivals - Northeast African cheetah brothers, Kendi and Tafari.
Ex-Chester FC star helps create stunning poppy tribute

A former Chester FC winger helped create a spectacular Remembrance display of more than 1,000 handmade poppies to pay tribute to Britain’s fallen heroes.
FREE CHESTER CONCERT SET TO CELEBRATE WORK OF RENOWNED NORTH WEST BASED COMPOSER

A free concert staged by one of the North West's leading composers and musical directors is set to be staged at an historic Chester church, thanks to support from one of Chester's top choirs.
MUSIC BY RENOWNED WELSH FEMALE COMPOSER TO FEATURE IN WREXHAM ORCHESTRA REMEMBRANCE CONCERT

Final rehearsals are underway for a special Remembrance Sunday featuring music by a renowned Welsh female composer.
Blues Match Report: Cambridge United 3 - 0 Chester FC

Video

Chester FC's FA Cup campaign came to an end this afternoon, as three first-half goals for Cambridge United secured their spot in the Second Round.
Blues Match Preview: Cambridge United v Chester FC

Chester FC's Emirates FA Cup journey continues with a First Round clash on the road at Cambridge United on Saturday afternoon.
Cheshire Constabulary welcomes its newest four-legged crime fighter ahead of her Police Dog training

Sprocker Spaniel Peppa is set to begin her training to become Cheshire Constabulary’s newest canine crime fighter.
Appeal to trace wanted man from Ellesmere Port

Police in Ellesmere Port are appealing for help in tracing a wanted man.
Lord Mayor of Chester and Chair of CWaC to lead Chester’s Acts of Remembrance

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar, invites residents to join her at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 9 November 2024, at 10.15am, as she leads the city’s Act of Remembrance.
Ellesmere Port Market unveils local schools’ artwork display

As part of the Ellesmere Port market refurbishment, thirteen local schools have taken part in a drawing competition on the theme of ‘our visit to the market’.
Children in Chester no longer need to travel for life-saving breathing support

The memory of 21-month-old Emily Sowden, who sadly died from acute viral bronchiolitis in 2013, continues to help children at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Academics hike for fundraising effort close to their hearts

Academics from the University of Chester have completed a gruelling hike for a charity close to their hearts.
Local musician releases his new single on Halloween

Local musician Danny Keatman has released his new single ‘Ladders’ on Halloween. Danny studied music at Chester University and has since made the city his home.
Local MP Launches Annual Christmas Card Competition

As the festive season approaches, Member of Parliament for Chester North & Neston, Samantha Dixon has announced the launch of her annual Christmas Card Competition, inviting primary school-aged children across the constituency to showcase their creativity.
Residents in Chester’s Garden Quarter to decide whether they should change their parking arrangements

Residents in Chester’s inner city Garden Quarter are using the next few weeks to decide whether they should change parking arrangements in their area.
Man jailed for role in courier fraud

A man has been jailed for his role in a courier fraud in which an elderly woman was scammed out of thousands of pounds of cash and jewellery.

Surge In Online Shopping Fraud

Share

More from Local News

Search