It is that time of the year when shoppers look for the best deals to spoil their families during the festive season. While some will be going out to various shopping destinations, others will be shopping from the comfort of their own homes with just a click of a finger.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) has given tips on how you can protect yourself from fraud while doing your online shopping through the Safer Festive Season Campaign.
“Scammers exploit the Festive Season hype to reach their targets through emails, texts, and social media offering ‘incredible deals,’ aiming to steal identities and perpetrate fraud. While some scams are easily identifiable, others involve more intricate deceptions, specifically targeting eager online shoppers, using sophisticated techniques that can fool even the most cautious shoppers in the frenzy of a shopping spree.
“With eager shoppers wanting to get their hands on Festive Season deals, the need for increased awareness and vigilance becomes paramount. Amid the excitement, caution should always come first. Being too eager to buy could end in regret and increase your risk of being scammed,” the SAPS said.
To assist consumers during this festive season, the SAPS has given five easy tips:
*Regularly check electronic statements and debit/credit card balances
*Use strong passwords and use unique and complex for different accounts
*Set up two-factor authentication for important accounts
*Review and adjust your internet browser security settings
*When in doubt about an online shopping site always look for online reviews
