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As the festive season approaches, online shopping reaches its peak. While searching for the perfect gifts, it’s crucial to remember that cybercriminals are also on the lookout – for your personal information. The Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre are here to help you shop securely and avoid falling victim to scams during the holidays.
Protect Your Festive Purchases
The convenience of online shopping comes with risks, especially during the busy Christmas period. From fake websites to phishing emails and unsecure payment methods, the threats are real – but they are avoidable. The Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre are urging individuals to protect your personal accounts, check before they buy, and use secure payment methods to stay ahead of the threat from criminals this shopping season.
Working in partnership with the NCSC, find out below how you can help stay vigilant against cyber threats, so you can enjoy a stress-free and secure shopping experience this holiday season.
Protect your accounts:
- Use three random words passwords and set up 2-step verification for your email to prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to your shopping, bank or email accounts.
Check before you buy:
- Research online retailers, particularly if you haven’t bought from them before, to check they’re legitimate. Read feedback from people or organisations that you trust, such as consumer websites.
Pay securely:
- Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases and are obliged to refund you in certain circumstances. Using a credit card (rather than a debit card) also means that if your payment details are stolen, your main bank account won’t be directly affected. Also consider using a payment platform, such as PayPal, Google or Apple Pay. And whenever you pay, look for the closed padlock in the web address bar – it means your connection is secure.
Report suspicious activity:
- Forward texts to 7726
- Forward suspicious emails to (report@phishing.gov.uk)
- Report websites via the NCSC website
- If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at or by calling 0300 123 2040
Find out more on the Stop! think Fraud Campaign.