This year many more people will do their Christmas shopping on line so Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Sue Arnold is urging everyone to be careful and not become victims of Christmas cyber fraud.
Sue Arnold, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, said:
“Christmas shopping brings with it an increase in shopping related email phishing campaigns and fraud. For example there is currently a known campaign that targets users with emails that claim to originate from Amazon. The email informs the user that a purchase has been sent out for delivery and usually asks what courier service they are using. This is done in the hope that users will click on the link to see what it is. Attachments containing malicious software are often included in these emails.
It is also important that people are very careful when paying for gifts on line, especially when offered an unbelievable bargain purchase. Everyone should enjoy their on line Christmas shopping but please remember to:
- Check emails that claim to be from shopping companies very carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors which could indicate the email may not be genuine
- Don’t click on links or attachments even if you have a legitimate account. Log into your account on-line and check the details that way
- Always make sure the web address you are visiting is the correct address. You can check a web address by hovering over the link without clicking it. It is better to type in an address if you are not sure or use a pre-saved favourite
- Look for the Padlock Sign in the address bar if you are paying for something online.
- Don’t share personal information, bank details or your address online when paying for that “bargain”.
- Make sure you have adequate anti-virus software that will enable your computer to flag any untrustworthy sites.
We have launched Cyber Safe Staffordshire to help people and businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent avoid becoming victims. More information on cybercrime and how to avoid becoming a victim are available on http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/cyber-safe-staffordshire/ and by following #CyberSafeStaffs”.
