Customer LoginStay safe this Black Friday & Cyber Monday
As a result of the ongoing pandemic and government restrictions, more people than ever are expected to take advantage of online deals this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
However, it’s also the time when scammers are at their most active. It’s likely at some point over the next few weeks, you’ll receive a scam email designed with one purpose in mind – to take your hard-earned money.
Don’t worry though, by taking a few simple precautions, you can make sure Cyber Monday doesn’t become blue Monday.
Be extra careful with emails
Because such a large percentage of Cyber Monday sales go through large companies such as Amazon, it makes them perfect hook for scammers. The usual tactic is to create a convincing looking email with offers that can’t be missed. The sophistication of these emails is increasing all the time to the point it’s becoming hard to tell them apart from the real thing. We’d recommend you don’t click on a link from an email unless you’re 100% confident it’s real. Instead, we advise going directly to the companies’ website and checking out the deals there.
How to spot a fake email
Fake emails and text messages from scammers are known as phishing. The sophistication of these emails and texts are increasing all the time. However, there are still some tell–tale signs you can look out for.
- The most obvious sign that an email is fake is right at the start. If the email begins with Dear customer or Dear sir/madam, or anything other than your actual name, there’s a strong possibility the email is fake.
- Watch out for poor spelling and oddly worded sentences. This is another sure sign that an email is from scammers.
- A fake email will often have a sense of urgency to it such as, ‘your account is about to close if you don’t act right away’. This is usually accompanied by a request for you to update your account details. Never do this.
- Fake emails can also have a financial incentive to them. A classic example is an email to say you were charged twice for your last purchase, the company has tried to refund you and have been unable to, and that you should update your details in order to receive the refund. Again, you should never do this.
Do not open email attachments
As a rule, it is best not to open email attachments unless you are completely confident it is safe. Scam emails often have attachments that when opened infect your computer with malware. This can give scammers access to your passwords and personal details.
Shop directly
The first tip leads us nicely onto this one. If you’re going to shop on Cyber Monday, just go directly to the site. Don’t shop via third party pages or go to website through emails you’ve been sent. This will often send you to a fake website, one in which the scammers own and control. From here they will be able to take the details they need in order to scam you.
Use a credit card to shop online
If you can avoid it, don’t use a debit card to shop online. If your debt card number is stolen, hackers can gain access to your money. If you can, try to make purchases with a credit card. The Consumer Credit Act protects you for purchases over £100 up to £30,000.
Never shop on public networks or public wifi
There are more attacks on Cyber Monday in public networks than on other day of the year. If you’re purchasing goods online, always do it on your own secure wifi. Whilst it may be tempting to shop via free wifi (like the kind you find in coffee shops, libraries or McDonalds), this could open the door between you and scammers, so play it safe and wait till you get home
Only use secure websites
This is quite easy to check. Make sure the site you are visiting has HTTPS at the beginning not HTTP. For example, the URL should look like this: https://www.sitename.co.uk. You’ll usually see a padlock icon too, showing that the site is secure.
Install WOT extension
WOT stands for Website of Trust. If you use Chrome as your internet browser, it’s very easy to install. Just follow the link below and select ‘Add to Chrome.’
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wot-web-of-trust-website/bhmmomiinigofkjcapegjjndpbikblnp
Once added, the extension will indicate whether a site is to be trusted or not:
Green – Safe
Yellow – Somewhat safe
Red – Avoid this site
Update your computer’s security
If you are a Mac user, you should be fine. Most viruses and malware are developed for windows.
If you are using a PC, it might be worth installing an anti–spyware, antivirus or an anti-malware program. Windows Defender comes free with a purchase of a Windows 10 PC or laptop which can really detect and quarantine malware.
There is also other internet security software you might consider. Some of the reputable names include
You should do your own research to find the best internet security suite for you.
Remember, it’s up to you to keep your credit card and identity safe online! Hopefully with these tips, you’ll stay safe and be able to enjoy your shopping this coming Cyber Monday!
What to do if you believe you’ve been scammed
If you believe scammers may have gained access to your computer, there are a few precautions you should take.
- Update your passwords
- Let your bank know someone may be able to gain unauthorised access to your account
- Make sure you update your anti-virus software.
We also strongly recommend you follow the advice from the National Cyber Security Centre on how to recover a hacked account.
If you have transferred any to money to someone you now believe to be a scam, or if someone has illegally taken money from you, via your bank account or otherwise, you should call the police immediately on 101.
We’ll also be updating our Facebook page regularly, so please follow us there too. We are also on Twitter and Instagram.
