Humberside Police has launched a Christmas campaign to help prevent online fraud.
Called "The 12 Online Frauds of Christmas", the initiative seeks to warn people about common internet cons at a time of year when people are shopping for bargains online.
And instead of French hens, turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree, the new campaign includes online shopping fraud, unsolicited Christmas e-cards and rogue charity sites.
Detective Superintendent Christine Wilson, force lead for cyber crime at Humberside Police, said: "There are simple steps that can be taken to help people protect themselves, such as installing anti-virus software, ensuring that purchases on sites are made using reputable payment systems, and checking that payment sites have a little padlock at the top of the screen which shows that they are categorised as secure."The 12 Online Frauds of Christmas1) Online shopping fraud: If possible use online retailers/brands you are aware of and trust. Check delivery, insurance, warranty and returns policy. Make sure you have adequate anti-virus software.2) Christmas e-cards: If you receive an anonymous e-card, it is better to play it safe and delete the email as it could be infected. Use a reputable anti-virus product. If you believe your electronic device has been infected, switch it off and disconnect from the internet to prevent further information being stolen.3) Auction fraud: Always use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to a seller. Research the seller before you bid. Be cautious when buying from sellers abroad or private individuals. If you are collecting what you have bought, take someone with you or let someone know where you are going.4) Holiday fraud: Always pay with a credit card. If they don't accept, don't buy from them. Use companies which are ABTA or ATOL protected. Research the internet and consider the reviews of the company/person you wish to use before booking.5) Loan and investment scams: Authentic loan providers will not ask for an advance fee. Research any loan or investment companies online before making any financial commitment. If the loan or investment seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never set up a loan or make an investment which starts with a cold-call.6) Ticketing fraud: Only look at tickets from reputable websites that are secure. Before buying, search the internet for reviews to see if anyone has fallen victim to a ticketing scam. Avoid entering your bank or credit card details on public or shared computers. Make sure you have good anti-virus software.7) Donating to charity: Visit the charity's website by typing the address into your browser rather than clicking on a hyperlink embedded in an email. Before you donate, check the website you are on is secure. Do not respond to requests to donate through a money transfer company such as Western Union or MoneyGram.8) Mobile malware/malicious apps: Make sure you have the latest version of software installed for increased protection. Only download apps from official app stores like Google Play and Apple Store and always check reviews and ratings. Install anti-virus software. Do not click on links in emails from unknown sources.9) Money transfers: Never send a money transfer for online purchases. Wait the six or seven working days it takes for a cheque to clear before transferring any money or sending/ mailing any goods. Never send money in advance to obtain a loan or credit card or to pay for processing fees on lottery or prize winnings. Never provide your banking information to people or businesses you do not know.10) Social media scams: Avoid adding too much personal information to social media accounts which could allow your bank accounts to be compromised. Be wary of installing add-ons to your internet browser. If you click on a social media advert do the necessary checks before buying anything from the website you land on.11) Dating/romance fraud: Guard your privacy when chatting online and be selective with the information you provide about yourself. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust. Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong take steps to protect yourself.12) Mobile payments: Do not save passwords or personal/financial data onto your mobile device unless it is absolutely necessary and make sure the phone is passcode protected. If stolen, most mobile devices have the software to wipe all data from their memory remotely. Do not leave your Bluetooth on as cyber-criminals can hack into your device unnoticed. Also install anti-virus software and check the security features.• Humberside Police has teamed up with the City of London Police, which is the National Policing Lead for Fraud, to produce the guide. A detailed version can be downloaded from the Humberside Police website.• For more advice about online fraud, visit the Action Fraud website.
