The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is urging shoppers to be cautious when shopping for Christmas and Black Friday gifts online this year amidst a rise in scams.
According to figures from Action Fraud, victims lost an average of £1,000 per person in the same period last year.
These scams were often related to the purchase of clothes and electronics on social media marketplaces – one victim reportedly lost £480 when trying to purchase shoes from a seemingly reputable social media user.
Of the 19,744 reports made last year, 20% were related to the purchase of mobile phones and other electronics.
Vehicle fraud was also a common scam, as 8% had fallen victim when trying to purchase cars and campervans online.
To stay safe, the NCSC is urging users to protect their accounts using two-factor authentication (2FA), shop from trusted online retailers, and pay securely via credit card.
If you would like further guidance on how to shop safely online, please contact [email protected]
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The NEBRC is a non-profit organisation that seeks to inform, educate, and support businesses across the UK on how to stay protected against cyber criminals through good security practices.