Fresh from an International cybercrime conference held in Romania last month, Cumbria’s Deputy Chief Constable is urging Christmas shoppers to stay safe as they log on to the internet for last minute bargains.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde who is one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime, recently attended a conference to discuss the latest developments in online crime. Now back on Cumbrian soil, he is encouraging shoppers to be aware of spammers and scammers who are using sophisticated techniques to get hold of people’s money online.
He said: “With only two weeks left until Christmas, millions of people will be logging on to the internet to find gifts for family and friends.
“The convenience of shopping online draws over 90 per cent of UK shoppers in at this time of year as we start browsing for the right-priced gifts at every opportunity - at home and in work. While this opens up a world of wonderful opportunities, it’s important to stay safe and be aware of criminals who use this time of year to cash in on shoppers who are looking to cut the cost of Christmas.
“The internet is a fantastic tool to use to your advantage – but make sure online criminals don’t take advantage of you. There are simple steps to take to avoid becoming a victim of crime and having your Christmas ruined.”
DCC Hyde offers the following top 5 tips for shopping securely online:
- Passwords
Always use strong passwords that combine upper and lower case letters and numbers. Try to use different passwords for different websites.
- Look out for the padlock
‘Copycat’ websites of popular high street stores are growing in number that look and feel legitimate but fail to send out goods after they have been paid for. Check that the websites you use have a golden padlock displayed in the bottom of your screen and that the website address begins with http://
- Check return policies
It’s important to check an online store’s privacy and returns policy. If it’s not clear, look the company up on the internet and check their reputation. If you have any doubts – don’t buy.
- Keep your PIN to yourself
No legitimate company will ever ask you to enter your credit card PIN on their website. Never enter details of your PIN online.
- Pay with a credit card or PayPal
If you have one, consider paying with a credit card as this gives you extra protection when paying for goods online. Should you fall victim to an online thief, credit card companies are jointly liable if the goods you purchase are not as described or fail to be delivered. Setting up a PayPal account also provides extra security when paying for goods online –see www.paypal.co.uk
DCC Hyde continues: “Fraud costs the UK around £14 billion each year and is a crime that could affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or location.
“We work hard to ensure that we remain one step ahead of criminals and equip ourselves with the right tools and technology to investigate online crime nationally, and at a local level. We are supporting this in Cumbria with the National Fraud Authority’s recent launch of ‘Action Fraud’ - the first contact centre for fraud victims to report crime and get advice.
“If individuals or businesses have been victims of fraud in the last 12 months, they are encouraged to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Textphone 0300 123 2050.
“Criminals turn their sights to the online world as they feel it’s an ‘anonymous’ way to commit crime because they never have to physically encounter their victims. They feel protected by their computer screens and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to remove this anonymity by tracking them down and bringing them to justice.”
For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Cumbria Police’s website: www.cumbria.police.uk and www.getsafeonline.org.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde who is one of the UK’s leading lights in cybercrime, recently attended a conference to discuss the latest developments in online crime. Now back on Cumbrian soil, he is encouraging shoppers to be aware of spammers and scammers who are using sophisticated techniques to get hold of people’s money online.
He said: “With only two weeks left until Christmas, millions of people will be logging on to the internet to find gifts for family and friends.
“The convenience of shopping online draws over 90 per cent of UK shoppers in at this time of year as we start browsing for the right-priced gifts at every opportunity - at home and in work. While this opens up a world of wonderful opportunities, it’s important to stay safe and be aware of criminals who use this time of year to cash in on shoppers who are looking to cut the cost of Christmas.
“The internet is a fantastic tool to use to your advantage – but make sure online criminals don’t take advantage of you. There are simple steps to take to avoid becoming a victim of crime and having your Christmas ruined.”
DCC Hyde offers the following top 5 tips for shopping securely online:
- Passwords
Always use strong passwords that combine upper and lower case letters and numbers. Try to use different passwords for different websites.
- Look out for the padlock
‘Copycat’ websites of popular high street stores are growing in number that look and feel legitimate but fail to send out goods after they have been paid for. Check that the websites you use have a golden padlock displayed in the bottom of your screen and that the website address begins with http://
- Check return policies
It’s important to check an online store’s privacy and returns policy. If it’s not clear, look the company up on the internet and check their reputation. If you have any doubts – don’t buy.
- Keep your PIN to yourself
No legitimate company will ever ask you to enter your credit card PIN on their website. Never enter details of your PIN online.
- Pay with a credit card or PayPal
If you have one, consider paying with a credit card as this gives you extra protection when paying for goods online. Should you fall victim to an online thief, credit card companies are jointly liable if the goods you purchase are not as described or fail to be delivered. Setting up a PayPal account also provides extra security when paying for goods online –see www.paypal.co.uk
DCC Hyde continues: “Fraud costs the UK around £14 billion each year and is a crime that could affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or location.
“We work hard to ensure that we remain one step ahead of criminals and equip ourselves with the right tools and technology to investigate online crime nationally, and at a local level. We are supporting this in Cumbria with the National Fraud Authority’s recent launch of ‘Action Fraud’ - the first contact centre for fraud victims to report crime and get advice.
“If individuals or businesses have been victims of fraud in the last 12 months, they are encouraged to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or Textphone 0300 123 2050.
“Criminals turn their sights to the online world as they feel it’s an ‘anonymous’ way to commit crime because they never have to physically encounter their victims. They feel protected by their computer screens and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to remove this anonymity by tracking them down and bringing them to justice.”
For more information on how to stay safe online, visit Cumbria Police’s website: www.cumbria.police.uk and www.getsafeonline.org.
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