Tag: Shopping

One-in-five consumers in Ireland cut back online purchases due to cyber threats

Ekco, one of Europe’s leading security-first managed service providers, today announces the results of new research which reveals that one-in-five (22%) consumers in Ireland are purchasing fewer items online because they fear cyberattacks. For the same reason, 19% say they have started to pay in-person, in cash, when they can.

The research, commissioned by Ekco and carried out by Censuswide, surveyed 1,000 adults in the Republic of Ireland, exploring their attitudes to online spending as the volume of cyberattacks and scams continues to rise. It comes at a time when major fashion retailers are considering a return to the high street after declining footfall, exacerbated by the pandemic, drove both shoppers and retailers online. The research suggests that cyber fears could drive more to physical stores this festive season.

Despite year-on-year growth in online spending, just 30% of those surveyed believe they know how to check if a retailer’s website is safe or not. In fact, in the last 12 months, more than one-in-10 (14%) have entered their payment details on a fraudulent website, thinking it was legitimate, while 26% have found themselves on a fake website which was attempting to mirror a real one.

Ekco’s research suggests that the constant desire for convenience could be making consumers less focused on security. When offered, 31% opt to store payment details on websites to save time during the check-out process, and the same percentage have payment details stored on multiple websites.

However, many consumers are unforgiving when retailers suffer a cyberattack. In the last 12 months, a quarter (25%) of consumers have avoided purchasing from, or using the services of, a retailer because it suffered a cyberattack. Two-thirds (66%) say they would stop shopping with a retailer permanently if their data was stolen in a breach, even if no money was taken.

Conor Scolard, Director of Cyber Resilience at Ekco, said: “Our research shows that while consumers want a hassle-free shopping experience – with conveniences such as having their payment details stored – they are also concerned about the security of their information. It is vital that retailers have the robust infrastructure in place that enables them to assure customers that their data is safe, regardless of how they choose to pay: in-person in cash, or online (with or without stored card details).

“As we have entered the busiest time of the year for shopping, retailers need to ensure that their systems can both stay online and protect customers’ data from cyberattacks. Our research highlights that a cyberattack will not only have a negative impact on operations, but it can also cause lasting damage to a business’s reputation. In addition, shoppers evidently lack confidence in identifying safe websites from compromised or fraudulent ones, which will undoubtedly lead to hesitation. The retail sector must consider this and its own role in providing convenience and confidence.”

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.

DragonTouch Digital Calendar/Photo Frame Review

The DragonTouch Digital Calendar/Photo Frame is an ideal tool or decoration for someone who has a busy schedule and wants to see nice photos when not working the fact it is touch screen make this even easier to use and there is an app to go along with keeping all things in sync

The build quality is also excellent and looks well on any desk or shelf and comes in a range of sizes, you could also wall mount this and with the included bracket you can place vertically or horizontally the choice is yours.

You can sync from several calendars not just Google for example and all works well having tested in both iPhone and Android devices.

The UI on the app is simple and the same for the UI on the frame itself making life so simple with editing option on screen without the need to pick up your phone or go to your laptop for example this also allows ease of use and others can be invited to use it too.

For me this is a great product executed well and something for anyone or the busy tech enthusiast in your life and an ideal gift, check the full hands on video review for what you can expect.

The eCalender App

  • 【All-In-One Smart Family Calendar】: Dragon Touch digital frame effortlessly organizes and tracks every family schedule with the crystal-clear 10.1″ touchscreen. Assign different colors and tasks to each family member, making family scheduling simpler and more intuitive.
  • 【Easy Setup and Auto-Sync】: Enjoy a user-friendly design that our smart picture frame allows for quick setup—just plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and link your calendar to the Mobile App. Once synced, it seamlessly integrates multiple personal calendars (iOS, Google, etc.) into one unified interface. Authorize additional devices for even greater convenience.
  • 【Interactive Chores Chart & Dinner Planner】: Our digital calendar keeps housework organized and motivates family members, especially children, to develop healthy habits with an interactive chore chart. Display your family dinner plans to keep everyone informed and eliminate the daily “What’s for dinner?” question.
  • 【Manage from Anywhere】: Stay connected with the powerful eCalendar App. Access and manage your calendar on the go, with free features like a photo frame, chore chart, dinner plan, grocery list, and more. Paid functions like Magic Import offer advanced tools tailored for users with special needs.
  • 【Elegant Digital Picture Frame】: Transform your smart calendar into a stunning digital picture frame when not in use. Display cherished family photos on the clear touchscreen, bringing a touch of sophistication to any room as contemporary home decor.

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Gadget Shopping Made Easy: How PriceHub Helps You Choose Electronics Smarter and Cheaper

In today’s hyper-connected world, electronics have become an extension of our lives. From smartwatches and wireless earbuds to tablets, laptops, and smart home devices—gadgets power our work, communication, entertainment, and even fitness. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right product without overpaying or falling for clever marketing?

That’s where PriceHub, a modern and intelligent price aggregator, steps in. More than just a comparison tool, PriceHub helps you navigate the crowded electronics marketplace, save money, and buy smarter. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking for the latest gadget or just need a reliable pair of headphones, PriceHub gives you everything you need to make the best decision—fast.

Let’s dive into how this platform works and how it makes buying electronics online easier, cheaper, and more transparent than ever before.

One Platform. All the Options.

The heart of PriceHub’s value lies in its ability to bring together offers from hundreds of online stores into one easy-to-use website. Searching for a new smartwatch or Bluetooth speaker? PriceHub instantly shows you real-time prices from major retailers like Amazon, Currys, Argos, eBay, and smaller tech shops across the UK.

You don’t have to open 10 browser tabs or manually compare offers—PriceHub does all the heavy lifting, presenting every deal side by side, sorted by price, popularity, or delivery speed. It’s a single source of truth in a sea of digital noise.

Powerful Filters for Precision Buying

Gadget shopping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Someone looking for a powerful gaming laptop needs very different features than someone shopping for a travel-friendly tablet. PriceHub understands that, offering powerful filtering tools to narrow down your search by exactly what matters to you.

You can filter electronics by:

  • Brand and model

  • Technical specifications (processor, storage, resolution, battery life)

  • Customer rating

  • Price range

  • New, refurbished, or used condition

  • Availability of free delivery or warranty

Looking for noise-canceling headphones under £150 with Bluetooth 5.0? Or a 4K drone with a camera under 500 grams? PriceHub helps you pinpoint products that match your needs and budget in seconds.

Detailed Product Comparisons and Tech Specs

One of PriceHub’s standout features is its product comparison tool, which lets you place gadgets side by side to compare specs, features, and pricing. Want to see how the latest Fitbit compares with a Garmin watch? Or how the newest MacBook Air stacks up against a Surface Laptop?

With this tool, you get technical transparency, not marketing fluff. You’ll understand which device has the better display, faster processor, longer battery life, or more reliable connectivity—so you can make your decision with total confidence.

Price History Graphs and Alerts

Prices for gadgets can fluctuate wildly—especially around holidays, seasonal sales, or new product launches. PriceHub includes historical price graphs that show how a product’s price has changed over time, helping you decide when to buy.

Even better, you can set price alerts: just enter your target price, and PriceHub will notify you the moment a product drops to that level. This means you can wait for the perfect moment to make your purchase and avoid overpaying by £50, £100, or more.

Verified User Reviews and Expert Insights

When you’re spending serious money on electronics, you want to know what you’re getting. PriceHub combines user reviews and expert summaries in one place, so you can quickly read what real buyers think—both the pros and the cons.

You can also browse gadgets by popularity, based on user satisfaction and sales data, making it easy to discover what’s currently trending—and why.

Refurbished Tech: Sustainable and Affordable

Not every gadget needs to be brand new. Many electronic items—like tablets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles—are available as refurbished or certified pre-owned, often in like-new condition and with full warranties.

PriceHub makes it easy to find these listings and compare them directly with new versions, so you can choose between saving money and buying new—based on your own priorities.

Why Gadget Lovers Choose PriceHub

Whether you’re shopping for your next GoPro, a smart doorbell, or a robot vacuum, PriceHub helps you cut through the noise. It doesn’t just show you prices—it shows you value. It gives you the tools to compare, the data to buy smart, and the confidence to choose the product that’s right for your lifestyle.

Here’s what sets PriceHub apart:

  • Aggregates all major UK tech retailers

  • Offers smart filters and side-by-side comparisons

  • Tracks price history and sends price drop alerts

  • Includes verified reviews and expert summaries

  • Highlights refurbished and eco-friendly options

  • Helps users save time, stress, and money

Final Thoughts: Your New Favourite Tech Assistant

In an age of digital overload, PriceHub brings clarity. It’s a tool designed not just for bargain hunters, but for anyone who wants to make confident, well-informed decisions about their tech purchases.

Whether you’re buying a gift, upgrading your gear, or just browsing for inspiration, PriceHub turns the complex world of electronics into something simple and enjoyable. It’s not just about finding the best gadget—it’s about finding the right gadget at the best possible price.

So the next time you’re shopping for electronics, start with PriceHub—and finish with a smarter deal.

New app allows food aid donations to be tracked like online shopping

A pioneering app,Track Your Impact, has been launched by social enterprise E2G FOOD to transform donation transparency in humanitarian aid. The app allows donors to follow their contributions—high-protein FOOD bars—from production to disaster zones and into the hands of those in need, all in real-time.
Developed in partnership with global tech firm SASI, the platform offers a seamless three-step tracking system: recording production, monitoring transit, and confirming final delivery—all updated in real-time to donors. The partners simply scan QR codes to log E2G FOOD bars into the system.
This innovative track-and-trace functionality builds trust and confidence, setting a new standard in today’s donation landscape.
Pete Henderson, CEO of E2G FOOD and a former BBC cameraman who has witnessed famine and crises across 114 countries, said the app is about more than just delivering food.
“Our partnership with SASI and our tech advisor has brought transparency to the donation ecosystem. We’re enabling like minded people, from everyday consumers to global corporations, to be able to donate nutritious food for as little as £1.65—the cost of one FOOD bar and less than a cup of coffee— ensuring that every pound spent makes a tangible difference. Partnerships are the only way we will advance the sector and bring traceability to donations.”
The launch comes as global hunger reaches alarming levels, with 828 million people going to bed hungry each night, according to the UN. Since September 2024, E2G FOOD has delivered 30,000 FOOD bars to disaster-hit regions across the Middle East, Africa, and the US, leveraging technology to instil confidence in donors from individuals to corporate sponsors.
“SASI was created for organisations to manage data and communications in areas with low-tech infrastructure. We believe our technology provides donors and other stakeholders with valuable transparency to increase confidence, engagement, and support for humanitarian projects. As such, we were excited to work with E2G FOOD and kickstart this project by donating the configuration of their tracking platform for their donors to track their donations, from point of purchase to the end impact”. Commented Yumeho Sekiya, VP of International Affairs at SASI.
The app‘s wider functionalities include a live news feed, ability to share campaigns with loved ones, a dedicated donor profile showcasing total impact in FOOD bars, monetary donations alongside continual impact (monthly) and moments of impact (one-off donations). Partners receiving donations can also upload images of the FOOD being enjoyed in the community, which are automatically shared with donors.
Indika Maligaspe, Technology Advisor for E2G FOOD and developer of the consumer-facing Track Your Impact app commented: “We wanted to ensure that transparency was at the heart of the app with users able to see the progress of their donations in real-time. We are building a community of givers, our FOODIES, and hope to incentivise users to continue to engage and donate.”
Be part of the FOODIE movement creating a more nutritious and transparent world by downloading the free app, TrackYourImpact, and supporting FOOD relief programmes. It’s time to work together to leverage the power of technology and feed the world more nutritiously whilst tracking our impact, one FOOD bar at a time.

Don’t Get Duped: Common Scams Targeting Individuals and Businesses

In the digital age, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, deploying deceitful tactics to defraud individuals and businesses. Understanding the landscape of these scams is the first line of defense; awareness and vigilance are potent weapons in the battle against fraud. From phishing to a full-blown business email compromise, criminals’ arsenal is varied and insidious. Here’s a dive into the most common ones.

Types of Scams

Both individuals and businesses are vulnerable to many scams, which can result in significant financial losses. While new scams continue to emerge, some have stood the test of time and remain prevalent today.

Business Number Spoofing Scams

Business number spoofing scams involve fraudsters using technology to alter the caller ID to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate business number, often recognized and trusted. This scam tactic is not only a problem for the individuals who receive the calls but also for businesses whose numbers are spoofed. Customers may be tricked into giving away personal information or making payments, thinking they are dealing with an actual company representative.

Individuals must independently verify the caller’s identity, such as calling the business back through the official number on their website. A good scam likely fix for businesses should involve informing customers through various channels that they will never ask for sensitive information or immediate payment over the phone. Additionally, companies should monitor for reports of their business number being misused and take steps to alert customers promptly if such incidents occur.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. These attacks often come in emails but can also occur via text messages or social media platforms.

The scammer will typically use a sense of urgency or fear to prompt the victim into providing personal information. For example, an email may claim that your bank account has been compromised, and immediate action is required to prevent fraud. The sender will then provide a link for you to click on, leading to a fake website that steals your login credentials.

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information. Be wary of urgent or threatening language, and never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. If you receive an email claiming to be from a legitimate company, it’s always best to go directly to their website instead of clicking on any provided links.

Business Email Compromise

Business email compromise (BEC) scams target businesses using social engineering and email spoofing to deceive employees into transferring money or sensitive information to the scammer. These scams often involve a hacker gaining access to a company’s email system and posing as a high-level executive, such as the CEO or CFO, to request urgent wire transfers or confidential data

Businesses should implement strict authentication processes for financial transactions and educate employees on the red flags of a potential scam. Reviewing and regularly updating security protocols, such as multi-factor authentication, is essential to prevent unauthorized access to company emails.

Online Shopping Scams

With the rise of e-commerce, online shopping scams have become increasingly prevalent. These scams often involve fake websites or social media pages advertising popular products at meager prices. Once a customer makes a purchase, they receive a counterfeit or never receive the product.

Always research before purchasing from unfamiliar websites or social media pages. Look for reviews and ratings from previous customers, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal, which protect against fraudulent charges.

Government Impersonation Scams

Government impersonation scams often target the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. These scams involve a criminal posing as a government official, such as an IRS agent or immigration officer, and threatening legal action if payment is not made immediately.

It’s important to remember that government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone or via email. If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from a government agency, hang up and contact the official agency directly to verify the information.

Investment Scams

Investment scams often promise high returns with little to no risk and can take various forms, such as Ponzi schemes or cryptocurrency fraud. These scams prey on individuals’ desire for quick and easy wealth, luring them into investing their hard-earned money into fraudulent ventures.

Always do thorough research before investing in any opportunity. Be wary of promises of high returns with low risk, and never feel pressured to make a quick decision. Seek advice from trusted financial advisors or research before making any investment decisions.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from a reputable tech company, such as Microsoft or Apple, and claiming an issue with your computer or device. They will then ask for remote access to your device, install malware, and charge a fee for their “services.”

Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you out of the blue asking for personal info or remote device access. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech company, verify with the official company. Always be cautious of unsolicited requests for device access or personal info.

Protect Yourself

In addition to being aware of common scams, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim:

 

  • Never give out personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you have verified the recipient’s identity.
  • Keep your devices and software updated to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information.
  • Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
  • Stay informed about the latest scams and be vigilant in detecting fraudulent activity.  

Being aware and vigilant helps prevent scams. If targeted or victimized, resources like the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau are available for reporting and recovering from financial loss. Act swiftly if you suspect a scam to minimize potential damage.

Overall, in a world rife with fraudsters, maintaining vigilance is paramount. By staying informed about the common types of scams and their telltale signs, individuals and businesses can take proactive measures to protect themselves from becoming the next victims. Remember, when something seems too good to be true—it probably is. Stay safe, and don’t get duped.

6 Easy Tips to Master the Art of Coupon Shopping

Coupon shopping is an art that, when mastered, can lead to substantial savings on your everyday purchases. With rising costs of living, every penny saved is a penny earned. But how do you navigate the world of discounts, deals, and markdowns effectively?

In this guide, we’ll share six easy-to-follow tips that will help you take your coupon shopping game to another level. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned bargain hunter, these strategies will help you make the most of every coupon and deal that comes your way. Get ready to save like never before!

Benefits of coupon shopping

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Coupon shopping is a savvy way to save money on everyday items. From groceries to clothing, coupons can help you shave off a significant amount of your expenses. Whether you’re a seasoned couponer or just starting, the benefits are undeniable. Imagine being able to get your favorite brands at a fraction of the cost! Not only is coupon shopping easy, but it can also become quite addictive.

For starters, coupon shopping can help you stretch your budget and allow you to buy more with the same amount of money. It’s a great way to stock up on essentials without breaking the bank. Additionally, using coupons can also help you discover new products at discounted prices. This is a fantastic opportunity to try out new brands without committing to their full price. No matter if it’s a Kinguin Promo Code or a discount for your local grocery store, coupons bring a whole new world of savings. Plus, let’s not forget the satisfaction of scoring a great deal and saving money!

Understand store policies and plan your shopping trips accordingly

Each store has its coupon policies, which can vary greatly. Some stores allow stacking of coupons or have special days when certain items are on sale. It’s essential to understand these policies and plan your shopping trips accordingly. For example, if you know that your favorite store has a weekly sale on produce every Wednesday, you can plan to do your grocery shopping that day and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, many stores offer loyalty programs that can earn you extra discounts or rewards for using their coupons.

Be sure to sign up for these programs and take advantage of the benefits they offer. Not only will they save you money, but you may also get access to exclusive deals and promotions. Planning your shopping trips can help you maximize your savings and reduce the chances of missing out on a great deal.

Follow brands on social media for exclusive deals and promotions

Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to reach and engage with their customers. Many brands now offer exclusive deals and promotions through their social media channels, so be sure to follow your favorite brands on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You may also want to turn on notifications for these accounts so you don’t miss any limited-time offers or flash sales.

Additionally, many brands also offer special coupons or discounts to their social media followers as a way to reward and thank them for their loyalty. By staying connected on social media, you may discover hidden deals that can save you big bucks on your favorite products. Remember to follow not just the big brands but also local businesses as they often offer unique discounts and promotions for their followers.

Use apps and websites to find the best coupons and discounts

In a time when every penny counts, finding ways to save on purchases has never been more important. Thankfully, the world of technology offers a variety of apps and websites to help us do just that. Gone are the days of clipping coupons from newspapers and magazines. Today, we can scour the internet for the latest deals with just a few clicks. From online coupon codes to cashback offers, these digital platforms make it easy to save some serious cash.

But remember to always double-check the validity of a coupon before using it. The last thing you want is to get to the checkout counter only to find out that your coupon has expired or doesn’t apply to your purchase.

Don’t overlook paper coupons and store flyers

While digital coupons may be more convenient, don’t overlook the old-fashioned paper coupons and store flyers. Many retailers still offer printed coupons in newspapers or mailers that can save you money on your purchases. It’s also a good idea to scan through store flyers for upcoming sales or promotions that you can take advantage of.

Some stores also have physical coupon books that you can pick up at the customer service counter or check-out area. These can be a goldmine of savings, so don’t forget to check them out on your next shopping trip.

Share your savings tips with friends and family

Coupon shopping can be a fun activity to do with friends and family. Not only can you bond over finding great deals, but you can also share tips and tricks. Make it a point to ask your loved ones about their most recent coupon finds or share any new strategies that have worked for you. You never know what insider knowledge someone may have about upcoming sales or hidden deals.

Plus, by working together and sharing your savings tips, you can save even more money on your purchases. It’s a win-win situation for everyone! So, spread the word and help others become coupon-shopping masters too.

In conclusion, mastering the art of coupon shopping is an effective strategy for substantial savings. Understanding store policies, following brands on social media, utilizing digital platforms for the best deals, not overlooking paper coupons, and sharing savings tips with loved ones can transform your shopping experiences and elevate your saving game.

Embrace these strategies and open the door to a world where every purchase brings you one step closer to your financial goals. Remember, every penny saved is a penny earned. So, get started today and look forward to enjoying the fruits of your smart shopping strategies. Happy saving!

Sale shoppers urged to walk, not run, this sale season amidst Black Friday scams

Revolut, the global financial app with over 2.5 million customers in Ireland, warns that euphoria and urgency experienced by shoppers seeking to score a deal may come at a cost.

David Eborne, Head of Financial Crime at Revolut shares types of scams shoppers should be weary of:

  • Fake websites: Scammers use the latest and greatest tech to set up fake retailer websites so that they look exactly like genuine online retail stores. Some of the fake stores will send you the product you purchased but their real goal was to obtain your personal and card data.
  • Selling fake goods: Some sites sell luxury items like popular jewellery or clothing brands, or electronics at very low prices. Sometimes shoppers will receive the item they paid for but they will be fake or other times they will receive nothing at all.
  • Temporary fake sites: A newer version of online shopping scams involves the use of social media platforms to set up fake online stores. The stores open for a short time and then disappear after some sales are made.
  • Social media advertising: Scammers use social media to advertise their fake website. Often they use “Swipe up” features and put a time pressure against it to create a sense of urgency.

The Safest Way to Shop Online
For many customers, a fear when shopping online is to have their card details stolen. However, David says this risk can be mitigated by using Revolut’s single-use virtual disposable cards. The cards provide users with a temporary, randomly generated card number, CVV, and expiration date to be used for a single transaction. Once the transaction is completed, the virtual card is automatically deleted, reducing the risk of unauthorised transactions, and safeguarding personal and financial information. David also advises that if a purchase is not received or was misrepresented by the seller, then customers should raise a dispute via the Revolut app.

Last year, over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Revolut customers in Ireland spent €1.5m on more than 30,000 virtual disposable cards – a year on year increase of 136% as compared to the same timeframe in 2021.

Across the industry, fraudsters stole €84.6m through frauds and scams in 2022, an increase of 8.8% on 2021. The data from BPFI also reported a 19% decrease in authorised push payments (APP fraud) transactions in 2022 compared to 2021*. David encourages even more customers to use virtual disposable cards to help with security when shopping online.

David Eborne, Head of Fraud Operations at Revolut, says: “Black Friday shoppers are regularly left deflated and out of pocket after being duped by online scammers, particularly when under time pressure to buy an item.

“At Revolut, our top priority is to help avoid online fraud to keep you and your money safe. Protected by a 2,500-strong, 24/7 fraud prevention team, in 2022 we prevented our customers from falling victim to more than €220M in potential fraud. Our sophisticated fraud detection systems constantly monitor for high risk transactions to keep you safe while you continue saving, sending and spending with ease.”

Secret Sales Expands into Ireland

Secret Sales, the leading platform and marketplace for off-price retail in fashion, sportswear and beauty, today announces its expansion into Ireland. The platform’s new market launch opens the door for brands and retailers to expand their off-price strategy to reach a potential 3.4 million Irish online consumers. 

Shoppers in Ireland will now have direct access to over £700 million worth of off-price inventory on Secretsales.com from 450 premium brands, including Dsquared2, Plein Sport, Aquascutum, Cavalli, Diesel, Asics, Hackett, Ted Baker, Superdry plus many others.   

This launch supports Secret Sales’ aggressive international strategy of establishing itself as the go-to destination for non-full price retail in all main European markets by 2025, following the latest acquisition of Spanish ecommerce leader, Dreivip.  

Chris Griffin CEO, Secret Sales: “This year, Secret Sales has seen remarkable growth, which has paved the way for us to expand into new territories. For the Irish market, there is already a strong consumer appetite for off-price fashion making this a natural expansion fit for our brands and retail partners. Careful consideration was also given to the product selection to truly appeal to an Irish audience.” 

“As we continue our international expansion path, we are committed to working collaboratively with our brand and retailer base to launch in new markets that align with their business needs. This means increasing margins, reaching new customers and protecting brand equity”, said Chris. 

Secret Sales is on track to end 2023 with growth exceeding 150% year-on-year across the entire European region. Inventory growth has also been strong, standing at +45% year-to-date and is expected to exceed +100% year-on-year following the expansion into Ireland. This represents total inventory value linked to the Secret Sales platform of over £3 billion. 

Headquartered in the UK, Secret Sales also operates in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and now Ireland. Secret Sales features over 2,500 luxury and high street brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Puma, Kurt Geiger and Versace