Campaign launched to protect North Wales Christmas shoppers from online scams
Shoppers in North Wales are being urged to stay alert to online scams in the run-up to Christmas as a new safety campaign is launched.
The Safe Online Christmas campaign is being run by Get Safe Online, in partnership with North Wales Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin. The service is commissioned by the PCC and North Wales Police.
More and more people are opting for the convenience of ordering online when doing their Christmas shopping. However this time of year can also see a rise in scams and cybercriminals targeting innocent members of the public.
Get Safe Online has published advice warning shoppers to watch out for fake websites, delivery scams and suspicious emails or text messages asking for payment:
- Christmas shopping: Fraudulent ads and websites and fake goods are commonplace. Never transfer money to someone you don’t know if you haven’t seen the item in person. Not sure if a website’s genuine? Check it out at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
- Delivery scams: With gifts and other online orders on the way, be wary of texts or emails asking you to pay a delivery or re-delivery fee, as they’re often fake. If you’re unsure, contact the courier or retailer directly using a phone number or website you know is real. You can also check suspicious messages at www.getsafeonline.org/asksilver
- New devices: Whether they’re brand new, or new to you, protect devices as soon as you power them up. Install trusted security software or apps, set up strong and unique passcodes and turn on automatic backups so your files and photos are safe. Take time out to review your privacy and location settings too.
- Smart devices: When you unbox a new smart speaker, fitness tracker, camera, home appliance, child’s toy or other connected gadget, change the default password straight away, as factory settings aren’t secure. Choose a strong, unique password for each device. And remember, take care what you say around voice assistants and smart speakers.
- Updating apps and software: Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, apps and software. They fix security glitches that could lead to viruses, scams or identity theft. Mobile apps Download apps only from official stores like the App Store, Google Play or Microsoft Store. Apps from unofficial sites can hide malware or steal your personal information.
- Oversharing: Think before you post. Is it respectful? Does it give away personal or sensitive details about you, family or friends? And if you’re away or out over Christmas, resist posting about it until you’re back … burglars check social media too.
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said people could be more vulnerable to scams at this time of year.
“Because we’re busy and maybe distracted at this time of year, we’re sometimes less careful than usual, making us open to scams and other online harms,” he explained.
“Don’t give a cybercriminal a happy new year. Read our simple, easy-to-follow advice on protecting yourself, your family, finances and devices online to have a safe, secure and confident experience this Christmas.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin commented: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but also the busiest.
“That can sometimes mean that we aren’t as vigilant as we should be when making online purchasing and buying the latest must-have gifts for our loved ones.
“However, by following Get Safe Online’s simple and easy-to-follow advice, we can help stop crime from happening and have a very merry Christmas with our family and friends.
“I am proud to be able to commission services like Get Safe Online to provide helpful and much-needed information and advice to the people of North Wales.”
DC Rachel Roberts, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer, North Wales Police, added: “At this time of year, it’s as important as ever to be as vigilant to ensure you do not become a victim of fraud.
“Buy only from trusted retailers, avoid deals that seem too good to be true and never click links in unexpected emails or text messages about great deals or missed deliveries.
“And remember, for some, this time of year can be especially isolating and difficult to navigate, so check in with older friends, family, and neighbours to help them avoid potential scams too.”
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