Criminals set up fake website offering specials on certain gifts, from holiday accommodation to air tickets. The victim then clicks on the website since it looks professional, and the price appears to be attractive and really cheap. The victim then makes a purchase using their credit card details thinking they are buying from a genuine company. The purchase goes through, but the victim never receives the goods because the website was fake. The criminals then have access to bank customer’s bank details and can use these fraudulently and could also include stealing the identity of the victim.
Dos and Don’ts
- Do not trust websites you do not know and have not heard of.
- Don’t fall for offers that are available at a price that seems suspiciously low. If it seems to be too good to be true, it usually is.
- Do not send emails that quote your card number and expiry date.
- If you are requested to confirm your banking or personal details via a link, don’t click on it.
- Google the company name and do checks using platforms such as Hello Peter to determine its authenticity.