Tag: #fake

Bank of Ireland warns customers of “smishing” scams this Christmas

Bank of Ireland is urging customers to stay alert to ‘Smishing’ scams over the festive season, as fraudsters try to exploit consumer behaviour by sending them fraudulent text messages during the busy shopping period.

With online shopping and parcel deliveries at peak levels, scammers are sending texts that look like they’ve been sent by trusted delivery companies, motorway toll services, utility providers, Government agencies or even from the banks themselves.

These fraudulent messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal card or online banking details or trying to pressure consumers into paying a delivery or customs charge or update bank account details. Other “smishing” texts will contain a fake phone number that, when called, connects you to a fraudster posing as a representative of the company or from your own bank.

Bank of Ireland is also reminding customers that its dedicated fraud support team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout Christmas and into the New Year. Last year Bank of Ireland’s fraud prevention team received over 10,000 calls from customers during the peak holiday period (23 December to 29 December), with 550 calls received on Christmas day alone.

As part of Bank of Ireland’s four-point plan to prevent fraud, it has called for the introduction of legislation to allow an SMS scam filter to be deployed in Ireland. This filter would help stop SMS fraud attempts before they happen. Ireland is currently out of step with other English-speaking countries in not having an SMS scam filter in place. This filter would operate like the spam filters that are applied to email inboxes by detecting and blocking harmful links or content.

Key advice for consumers:

  • Do not click on links or reply to text messages looking for payment.
  • Remember toll operators, banks, delivery companies, utility providers and Government agencies will never send a text linking to a website that asks for your online banking details or full card details.
  • Check the identity of the sender. Call the company in question using their legitimate phone number.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Unfortunately fraudsters see the Christmas holidays as an opportunity to exploit the consumer rush to get all the festive shopping done, and at this time of the year Bank of Ireland’s fraud team always sees a wide range of “smishing” scams impersonating well-known companies.”

“Our advice to consumers remains the same, keep your guard up and treat every unsolicited call, text, or email as a potential fraud attempt. Our dedicated fraud team is working around the clock, even over Christmas and into the New Year, to protect and support our customers. If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and contact us straight away.

“Ireland is out of step with other English-speaking countries in not having an SMS scam filter, leaving Irish consumers more exposed to fraud attempts. We would strongly support the introduction of an SMS scam filter in Ireland, which requires legislation, as it would help block many of these fake text messages.”

Bank of Ireland customers can call the Fraud Team 24/7 on the Freephone line 1800 946 764.

CCPC warns of surge in online scams for Irish consumers

Irish consumers are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated online scams, according to a new set of case studies released by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). The warning comes as Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off the busiest shopping period of the year, creating prime opportunities for scammers to steal from unsuspecting shoppers.

With recent research revealing that almost 40% surveyed expect to make a purchase in the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, the CCPC is advising consumers to be extra vigilant and to stop and think before rushing into making a purchase.

The case studies, which date between November 2024 and August 2025, reveal losses ranging from €42 to €20,000 and highlight the wide range of methods used to scam consumers. These include fake websites, phishing emails, fraudulent job offers, rental accommodation scams, and investment fraud.

The CCPC is warning consumers to be especially wary of ads on social media, as scammers are using convincing clones of trusted websites and fake local shops to trick shoppers. To stay safe, always purchase through the retailer’s official website or app rather than clicking on the social media link.

Stop, search and stay safe 

To help consumers shop safely during the peak shopping season, the CCPC advises following three simple steps:

  • Stop: Scammers often create urgency to pressure quick decisions. If something feels off or too good to be true, stop and think before engaging further.
  • Search: Remember that logos, “about us” pages and imagery on websites can be fabricated. Always take a minute to check sites like Trustpilot or Reddit for independent reviews.
  • Stay safe:
    • Watch out for common red flags, including unusually large discounts – “up to 80% off”, unfamiliar websites, recently created social media profiles, and all five-star reviews.
    • Always use a credit card, debit card or trusted payment provider, rather than a direct bank transfer.

Grainne Griffin, director of communications at the CCPC said: 

“As the busiest shopping season of the year kicks off, it’s important that consumers avoid rushing into online purchases and transactions. Online scams have become more and more sophisticated, using convincing images and stories and carefully tailoring their ads to seem like they’re a trustworthy business.

“For the sake of your finances and your safety, take care when shopping online. Don’t let tactics like time-sensitive offers or countdown clocks pressure you into making a decision you might regret.

“Do your research, take your time, and don’t take risks, no matter how tempting the deal – you can lose an awful lot of money in just a few clicks. Always use a credit card, debit card or trusted payment provider like PayPal, rather than a direct bank transfer.”

What to do if you’ve been scammed when shopping online  

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank or payment provider immediately. You may be able to initiate a chargeback and get your money back, and you may need to freeze your card to prevent further money being taken. An Garda Síochána are responsible for pursuing scam operators so contact your local Garda office and report it and of course you can ask us as many do each year.

For information on the different types of scams and how to spot them, visit ScamUniversity.ie.

Irish consumers 6x more likely to be scammed by falling for AI fakes

The scale and sophistication of fraudulent advertising and AI-generated scams on social media are growing rapidly, making it harder than ever for people to know what’s real. New research from Visa in Ireland reveals that people who mistake fake AI-generated content for real are six times more likely to be tricked by scammers online than those who don’t (73% vs. 12%). This highlights how digital misinformation directly increases vulnerability and underscores the importance of collective action to protect consumers and restore trust in digital platforms.
In Ireland, Visa found that people who are affected by online scams typically lose €124.50 per incident (median amount), costing the Irish economy an estimated €71.8 million annually. The impact goes beyond financial loss, causing emotional distress, increased anxiety and reduced productivity. On average, victims of online scams spend around 8.9 days resolving the issue – which is 44% of the working month.
The way people engage with content online plays a major role. Those who share a post without checking its accuracy first, are five times more likely to be targeted and impacted by online scams compared to those who tend to take a moment to verify it first (35% vs. 6%). Everyday online habits – such as skimming headlines, resharing without verifying and trusting AI-generated content – are creating new vulnerabilities that scammers are quick to exploit:
  • 59% have believed online content was genuine only to later discover it was an AI-generated fake
  • Over a third (38%) rarely read beyond a headline before forming an opinion
  • Almost a quarter (23%) have reshared a post without checking its accuracy
The ripple effect of online scams
As online scams grow more sophisticated and widespread, this shift in consumer behaviour is having a tangible impact on the wider economy. Almost half (42%) have changed how they shop online after being scammed and one in two people (50%) targeted by online shopping scams say they now avoid shopping with smaller or unfamiliar brands.
This is having a particularly significant impact on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which account for 99.8% of Ireland’s business population and depend heavily on consumer confidence to survive and grow2.
Stepping up the fight against fraud
Visa is stepping up the fight against social media scams – combining decades of experience with cutting-edge technology and working closely with banks, retailers, and digital platforms to restore trust in online commerce.
AI has been central to Visa’s approach to fraud prevention. For over 30 years, the company has used AI powered tools to help keep payments secure and stay ahead of evolving threats. In the last five years alone, Visa has invested $12 billion in technology, including building smart, AI-powered systems that detect suspicious behaviour in real time and stop scams before they reach people.
Awareness is as critical as technology. With almost two in five (39%) people believing AI will make scams harder to spot on social media, Visa is taking proactive steps to close that gap. Tackling fraud requires a united front, and Visa is committed to collaborating across the ecosystem to set new standards for consumer protection.
By working closely with banks, retailers and platforms to ensure consumers have the right advice at their fingertips, Visa is helping people recognise an AI-generated scam, understand how they work, and stay safe in an increasingly AI-driven digital world. Because the more informed people are, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.
Visa is calling on all stakeholders – platforms, banks, retailers and policymakers – to work together to raise the bar for digital trust and consumer protection.
Conor Langford, Visa Country Manager for Ireland said: “AI is transforming how we live, shop, work and connect, but it’s also reshaping the landscape for fraud. Scammers are using the same technology that brings us innovation to deceive and exploit consumers, blurring the line between real and fake. These scams can hurt real people, costing not just money but peace of mind and trust. At Visa, we’re investing in AI-driven fraud prevention and working hand-in-hand with our partners across the ecosystem to strengthen digital trust. The more informed people are, the safer our digital economy becomes. Together, we can build a more secure digital future for everyone.”
Elaine Burke, Tech journalist & host of the For Tech Sake podcast, warns: “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to be certain of what’s real and what’s not online. Social media feeds are flooded with content generated using AI, which is not always disclosed. This same generative AI has made it easier for scammers to create content that looks completely convincing and blends into feeds where AI slop has become the norm. Scammers can even selectively target those who interact with this type of content, knowing they are more likely to engage with it. That’s why education and awareness are so important. The more aware you are of scammers’ methods, the less likely you are to become their next success story.”
Spot the Scam: Five Smart Ways to Stay Safe on Social Media
Question the source
Scammers often mimic legitimacy with fake business pages, slick ads, AI-generated celebrity endorsements, and convincing personal messages. These tactics can look incredibly real. Before you click, pause and ask: Is this trustworthy? A moment of doubt can save you from a costly mistake.
Take a breath
Urgency is a scammer’s best friend. Promises of free gifts, massive discounts, or “limited-time” offers are designed to rush your decision. Instead, slow down. Check if the offer is realistic, research the company, read reviews and visit the official brand website before sharing any personal information.
Verify the sender – not just the profile
A message from a friend, influencer, or organisation asking for money or personal details? Don’t assume it’s legit. Confirm independently: call the person, use a verified website, or contact the business directly. Scammers often hijack real accounts to appear authentic.
Stay secure and report suspicious activity
Protect your accounts by turning on extra security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible. Keep your apps and devices updated and regularly review your privacy settings. If you spot a suspicious ad, post or account, report it to the social platform – and to your bank if money is involved.
Pay securely – or not at all
Never share your bank details over social media. If someone asks you to send money via bank transfer, it’s likely a scam. Always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. If that’s not an option, walk away.
For more information on how to pay safely, please visit: www.visa.ie/pay-safely-with-visa.html

Why Every Startup Needs a Cybersecurity Mindset from Day One

North Carolina has become a strong base for new businesses and tech startups. Cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Wilmington are attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the country. But as more startups move their operations online, many forget one critical part of running a digital business — cybersecurity.

For new founders, it’s easy to focus on product design, funding, and marketing while ignoring online safety. Many believe that hackers only target big corporations. The truth is the opposite. Small startups are often seen as easy targets because they usually lack solid protection. A single data breach can lead to lost customers, legal issues, and serious financial damage.

Cybersecurity should not be something to think about later. It needs to be built into the foundation of every startup from day one. When security becomes part of the company culture early on, it protects not just data but also the business’s reputation and long-term growth.

  • Startups Are Prime Targets, Not Too Small to Hack

Many small business owners assume cybercriminals don’t care about them. In reality, hackers often prefer startups because they are easier to breach. New businesses rely heavily on digital platforms, online payments, and cloud tools, yet they usually skip professional security setups to save costs.

Attackers know this. They use phishing emails, fake invoices, and malware to steal data or disrupt operations. Even a small leak of customer information can destroy trust before a startup has a chance to grow. Thinking that a company is “too small to hack” is a costly mistake. Every business that collects, stores, or shares data online is a potential target.

Founders who want to understand cybersecurity from both a technical and management perspective can look to programs such as the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s online MBA in cybersecurity. The program, offered through the Cameron School of Business, combines leadership training with practical knowledge in security management. Its 100% online format makes it accessible to working professionals, and its AACSB accreditation highlights its academic quality.

Taking security seriously from the start helps close those gaps and signals that the company values responsibility.

2. The Real Cost of a Cyberattack for a Young Business

A cyberattack doesn’t just mean a temporary loss of access to files. It can stop business operations, expose client data, and lead to expensive recovery processes. For a young business, that can mean the end of operations entirely.

When a startup suffers a breach, it may lose customer trust instantly. People hesitate to share information again. Investors also become cautious, seeing the business as risky. On top of that, startups may face costs for legal advice, technical recovery, and communication damage control. In some cases, working with an internet content removal service becomes necessary to address harmful posts or leaked information that could damage a young company’s reputation.

The financial loss is only part of the problem. The emotional stress and lost time can be just as harmful. That’s why prevention is always cheaper and more effective than trying to recover after a crisis.

3. Building a Security-First Culture Early On

Cybersecurity is not only about technology; it’s also about behavior. Startups can reduce risks by creating a workplace culture where everyone understands their role in keeping data safe. That starts with leadership.

Founders and managers need to set clear rules about password management, data storage, and software updates. Regular reminders and simple training sessions go a long way. Encouraging open communication about suspicious emails or activities also helps detect threats faster.

When security becomes a shared responsibility, it feels like part of the company’s DNA rather than an afterthought. This mindset builds trust across the team and with customers as well.

4. Meeting Legal and Customer Expectations Around Data Protection

Today, customers expect their personal information to be safe. Governments are also enforcing stricter data protection laws. Even small startups must show that they follow basic security standards if they want to win contracts or partnerships.

If a startup handles customer payments or stores personal details, it must use secure systems. Being transparent about how data is collected and protected can make clients more confident. Many investors and partners now ask about security practices before making deals.

Startups that take privacy seriously early on will find it easier to grow in regulated industries and attract more business opportunities.

5. Reducing Risk by Tackling Human Error Early

Most cyber incidents don’t start with advanced hacking. They start with simple mistakes. Employees might click on a fake email, use weak passwords, or send data to the wrong person. These small actions can open the door to serious problems.

Startups can prevent many of these issues through early awareness. Training sessions don’t have to be complicated. A short meeting on how to spot phishing emails or how to create strong passwords can make a big difference. Encouraging the use of two-factor authentication and password managers helps too.

Leaders should also set an example. When management takes cybersecurity seriously, employees follow. Making cybersecurity part of regular discussions keeps it top of mind and builds accountability within the team.

A strong cybersecurity mindset doesn’t just protect a startup — it helps it grow. When teams plan for security early, they operate with more confidence and credibility. They can handle customer data responsibly, attract investor trust, and focus on innovation without constant worry.

The message is simple: it’s never too early to start protecting what matters most. A secure startup is a stronger startup, ready to face the digital challenges of the modern business world.

Almost half of people in Ireland use their smartphones during meals

Almost half of people in Ireland (47%) use their smartphones during meals and 70% say they spend too much time on their devices, a new Deloitte survey has found.

The survey of 1,000 people in Ireland was carried out as part of Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends report.

It shows that three-quarters of adults (74%) tend to use their mobile phones as soon as they wake up while 54% say they tend to stay awake later than planned because of their devices. Over one third (34%) check their phone at least 50 times a day and 15% do so more than 100 times.

Young people are also more likely to stay up later than planned due to phone use with 73% of those aged between 18-24 and 60% of those aged 25-34 years admitting it delays their bedtime. More women (74%) than men (66%) say they spend too much time on their smartphones while adults aged 18 to 44 express the most concern.

Nearly everyone in Ireland, 95%, now owns a smartphone, and almost half of those surveyed (47%) use their smartphone or smartwatch to pay for goods and services in-store through digital wallets, up from 36% in 2023.

The use of wearable devices (55%) has declined from 67% in 2023 while the ownership or use of games consoles is down from 40% to 37%, most likely due to the lack of new console releases in 2024. Just 7% of people own or have access to a VR headset.

42% of those surveyed own a Samsung, the most popular mobile phone brand, up from 38% in 2023, while 38% own an Apple phone.

Android is the most popular phone type in every age group with the exception of 18-24 where 64% own Apple handsets and 35% own Android. Almost three-quarters of those aged 65-75 (74%), 69% of those aged 45-54 and 66% of those aged 35-44 use Android phones.

The survey found the average respondent has access to 2.3 subscription services. 74% have access to a video streaming service and Netflix is the lead service by a significant margin despite a drop in penetration from 65% of respondents in 2021 to 59%.

Just 26% now say they share a video streaming service with someone from outside their household, down from 37% in 2023. This comes amid a clampdown on password sharing by Netflix, which introduced new rules and now effectively only allow users to regularly stream from one main location.

Younger subscribers are more likely to share accounts with people outside their households with 39% of those aged 18-24 doing so and 44% of those aged 25-34.

27% of those surveyed cancelled a video streaming subscription in the last 12 months. Unsurprisingly cost was the main reason for doing so jumping from 24% to 31%, followed by lack of usage at 29%, down 4 percentage points on 2023.

Fake news on the rise

 71% of respondents to the survey said they’d been exposed to online information designed to deliberately mislead. A total of 53% said they had more regularly found material online that was subsequently proven to be fake. This is up from 46% in 2023.

Television remains the most popular choice for news consumption in Ireland with more than half the population (57%) preferring it for updates. This trend is particularly strong among older demographics with 83% of those aged 65-75 choosing TV over other mediums.

The most popular method of staying up to date for the 18-24 (67%) and 25-34 (57%) age group is social media, which is cited by just 24% of the 55-64 and 11% of 65-75 age groups.

Overall, 40% say they like to get their news from radio, 39% use news websites or apps, and 38% use social media. Only 14% cite print as a preferred source.

Interestingly, more than half (58%) of 18–34-year-olds have made a purchase through social media in the last year. 22% of 18–24-year-olds and 29% of 25-34 year olds have bought something through a brand advert or a sponsored post.

John Kehoe, partner, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte Ireland said: “Our digital consumer trends survey shows that smartphones have become the most essential device, surpassing laptops (81%) and tablets (61%) in accessibility and consistent use across all ages. They are replacing physical wallets and remain the preferred tool for banking, shopping, browsing and gaming. However, recent innovations have been incremental rather than groundbreaking. Generative AI could change this by making smartphones more personalised and intuitive. Despite their benefits, concerns about excessive use persist – 47% use phones during meals, and many delay sleep to stay online. As smartphones shape daily life, it’s important to balance convenience with mindful usage.”

Commenting on the rise of fake news revealed in the report, Lorraine Griffin, partner and Chair of Deloitte Ireland, Tax & Legal, said:

“Our research highlights the increasing exposure to misinformation, particularly online. As news consumption shifts towards social media, and almost three in four respondents in our survey encountering intentionally misleading content, the need for media literacy and critical thinking has never been greater. Education remains key in empowering individuals to navigate digital spaces responsibly, ensuring access to information is accompanied with the skills to assess its accuracy.”

Over a third of Irish employees admit to faking activity at work – Workhuman Survey

Workhuman the Irish tech unicorn revolutionizing the way employees celebrate, connect with, and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 36% of Irish employees admit faking activity at work, with 37% of these individuals citing the pursuit of a better work-life balance as a key motivation for this behaviour. Burnout (27%) and unrealistic expectations (25%) were also factors cited as reasons. The survey further details how employees spend their time when pretending to be busy, with 42% scrolling through social media and 41% handling personal errands during work hours.

The Human Workplace Index surveyed 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland and was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into employee engagement and productivity.

The survey also uncovers a correlation between employee engagement and the likelihood of faking activity at work. According to the findings, employees who are less engaged are more prone to pretend they are working. Specifically, 54% of respondents admitted that when they aren’t feeling engaged, they do the bare minimum to get through the day, while 17% confessed to faking activity during these periods of low engagement.

Additionally, the data shows that 29% of employees reported they are required to use time-tracking software on their work devices, and 72% of managers believe it is important to know the exact hours their direct reports work. This emphasis on monitoring could unintentionally lead to more faking activity, as employees may feel pressured to appear busy. On the other hand, supportive management practices can have a positive impact. Nearly half of the employees (46%) believe that their manager’s involvement helps them perform their jobs better, while 32% say that their manager helps remove roadblocks, which can potentially increase employees’ productivity.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman, said: “The reality is that most Irish employees aren’t faking activity, but many feel compelled to do so. Our research findings highlight deeper issues around workplace expectations, and the illusion of being ‘always on’, with many employees feeling they need to fake activity to appear busy, rather than being genuinely productive. To address this, companies should focus on building a high-trust culture where employees are recognized for their results. High-trust, collaborative working environments, combined with meaningful recognition, can drive greater engagement, higher productivity, and a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. This approach not only reduces the need to fake activity but fosters a more motivated and productive workforce overall.”

Bumble tackles AI-generated photos and videos by adding a new option to report fake profiles

AI-generated images are becoming a growing part of our online interactions. Evolving from photo modification trends such as the use of filters or FaceTune, the surge in the use of realistic, digitally created images naturally creates concerns around authenticity, especially when people dating are looking to meet someone new.

In fact, a recent Bumble survey found that 71% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents felt there should be limits to using AI-generated profile pictures and bios on dating apps.

That’s why Bumble has now introduced a new option under the ‘Fake Profiles” reporting menu that enables people to report profiles they come across that may be using AI-generated photos and videos, helping them assess the authenticity of profiles and connections to support a safer experience for everyone.

This feature is the latest addition from Bumble to best help people find healthy and meaningful connections. Earlier this year, Bumble also rolled out Deception Detector, an AI tool that helps identify spam, scam, and fake profiles. Within the first two months, Bumble saw member reports of spam, scam, and fake profiles reduced by 45%.

“An essential part of creating a space to build meaningful connections is removing any element that is misleading or dangerous. We are committed to continually improving our technology to ensure that Bumble is a safe and trusted dating environment. By introducing this new reporting option, we can better understand how bad actors and fake profiles are using AI disingenuously so our community feels confident in making connections.”Risa Stein, VP of Product at Bumble

Millions of Britons fall victim to fake websites here is how to avoid it and be aware

Over five million Britons have been scammed on a fake website in the last year and over half of those (2.7 million) have lost money from it according to a new study by F-Secure. With an average loss of £50 this totals up to £130m being stolen from Britons’ pockets, and the UK economy.

It’s no secret that cyber criminals employ sophisticated tactics to orchestrate shopping scams, and the creation of fake websites that mimic well-known, established brands is just one of those ways.

In a recent study by F-Secure, research uncovered what Britons are buying when they are hit by fake websites and it’s impacting a spectrum of industries. The most common products are:

  1. Technology
  2. Clothing
  3. Home furnishings
  4. Cosmetics
  5. Footwear

In a bigger twist, further research by F-Secure found that six in 10 consumers have avoided shopping with small and independent businesses: expressing a preference for shopping with better-known and established brands. However, more than half of the identified fake websites were impersonating three leading global mass-market brands.

Here, F-Secure’s Tom Gaffney, talks more about the issue of brand impersonation and what consumers should look out for.

The presumption that bigger brands are safer is where the danger lies because they are more prone to impersonation. They are easier to impersonate and often big brands that offer high demand items (the latest Nike shoe, Apple device for example), can be more lucrative for cybercriminals.

Fraudsters are clever – leveraging brand assets such as imagery, logos, and colours – fraudsters lure consumers in with an illusion of authenticity. They also use nefarious domains, employing slight misspellings that go unnoticed, or using subtle unconventional domains like ‘.shop’ or ‘.xyz’. This all poses a challenge in discerning their legitimacy.

The primary goal of brand impersonation is to deceive consumers into providing sensitive personal information, such as credit card details, or to lure them into purchasing counterfeit or compromised goods and taking their money. Alternatively, scammers may simply aim to defraud customers by accepting payments without delivering the promised products or services.

It’s important that consumers stay vigilant to ensure the best protection for themselves and their wallets against online scamming tactics. Here are nine top tips to staying safe when shopping online:

Check if a website is safe to use: 

Use a trusted tool like F-Secure Online Shopping Checker to check if a website is safe to buy from.

Monitor your bank accounts and credit cards

Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions and report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.

Use unique and strong passwords

If user details are stolen from a legitimate retailer via a data breach, shoppers could be at risk. So it’s important to use a strong, unique password when creating your online accounts.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. Two-factor authentication works by adding extra security to online accounts (beyond your username and password).

Be vigilant about email scams

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from a big brand urging you to click a link, don’t do it. If you think it’s genuine, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.

Use a credit card or PayPal

Many credit card providers offer insurance against fraud. PayPal also offers some support for safe online shopping. Avoid wire transfers or other untraceable payment methods.

Beware of big bargains

Nowadays, comparison engines have essentially removed the need for retailers to provide large discounts. So, it’s important to be wary of huge offers that seem too good to be true.

Be vigilant even with brands you know and trust

Given that scammers often impersonate bigger brands, make sure to remain vigilant even when shopping with the brands you know.

Use a reliable internet security app

The best way to stay safe online is by using a trusted internet security product. With F-Secure Total, your passwords are monitored, you’ll be alerted of breaches if they occur, and your access to potentially harmful shopping sites will be automatically blocked.