Each day this week, in the build up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we’ll be offering you tips and advice to stay as safe as possible when shopping online.

Watch Out For Scams On Social Media
Earlier this week, we warned about the dangers of phishing scams through your emails.

However, it’s not just your emails which provide a breeding ground for scams. Social media sites give criminals access to millions of vulnerable users, who share links thinking they are helping friends grab a bargain.

In reality, the links may download a virus to your device, and any information you pass over through the link goes straight to the criminals.

Earlier this year, fake Vue Cinema and Alton Towers vouchers and offers started appearing on Facebook as the school summer holidays approached. It is near certain that fake offers for the latest toys, tech and treats will appear on social media – offering ‘the perfect Christmas gift’.

Also look out for messages on apps such as WhatsApp also offering vouchers from seemingly legitimate companies.

Top Tips
– if you do see an offer on social media, or over a messaging app, do not click on any links
– check the website, or genuine social media page, of the company it is claiming to be from to see if the offer is genuine
– if it is, make sure you still shop using the genuine site – do not be tempted to click the link which is on social media
– always look for https and the padlock within the address bar when entering your personal details at the checkout
– if these are not there, close the tab, and continue your shopping on another site which does have these

Don’t Forget
Complete the new 2016 Cyber Crime survey, so we can see the full scope of Cyber Crime in Warwickshire, and across West Mercia and the West Midlands – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RegionalCyber16

For more information about our work, please visit www.safeinwarwickshire.com/cybercrime

Cyber Aware is a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme. They aim to measurably and significantly improve the online safety behaviour and confidence of consumers and small businesses (SMEs).

Get Safe Online is the UK’s leading source of factual and easy-to-understand information on online safety. Their website offers advice on how you can protect yourself, your computers and devices, and your business against the likes of fraud, identity theft, viruses and other potential online problems.

ThinkUKnow is a national website which offers tailored advice to young people about online safety concerns. There is also a section on there if you are a parent/carer or a teacher who is concerned about a young person’s safety online.