Online shopping is a lifesaver during the busy festive season — convenient, fast, and often cheaper than in-store. But it comes with risks.

Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and with AI and deepfakes making scams more convincing than ever, staying vigilant is key. Here’s how to shop safely in 2025:

1. Check the website carefully

Only shop on sites that start with https:// — the ‘s’ stands for secure. SSL encryption keeps your data safe. Avoid sites that just say https:// – even if they look legitimate.

2. Be careful what you share

Never provide personal information like your ID number, birthday, or passwords unless absolutely necessary. Cybercriminals can use this information for identity theft or phishing attacks.

3. Keep passwords strong and unique

A strong, unique password for each account is your best defence. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and change them regularly. Consider a password manager to stay organised.

4. Avoid public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, letting hackers intercept your banking details. Do your shopping from a secure home network or mobile data instead.

5. Shop with reputable retailers

Stick to well-known brands or verified online shops. Scammers can create fake websites or even deepfake logos and customer reviews that look real. Always double-check the URL and read recent reviews before buying.

6. Beware of emails, messages, and AI-generated scams

Scammers are using AI to create hyper-realistic emails, texts, and even fake customer service calls. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unfamiliar senders, even if they look convincing.

7. Save your purchase information

Keep order confirmations, receipts, and tracking numbers. This makes it easier to resolve issues if your items are lost, delayed, or if the retailer turns out to be fake.

8. Track your orders

Keep an eye on delivery progress, especially during the festive rush. Tracking helps you spot suspicious activity, like parcels being redirected, which could indicate fraud.

9. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

Unrealistic discounts can indicate counterfeit or stolen goods, or fraudulent sellers. Stick to reasonable prices from trusted sources.

10. Use a credit card, not a debit card

Credit cards offer better fraud protection than debit cards. If anything goes wrong, you can dispute charges and protect your bank account.

Extra 2025 tip: Watch out for AI and deepfakes

Fraudsters are now using AI-generated images, deepfake videos and fake reviews to make scams look real. Always double-check sources, and if something feels off, trust your instincts.
A quick search for official contacts or reviews can save you from falling victim.
With these precautions, you can shop online safely and stress-free, and actually enjoy the festive season without worrying about cybercrime.

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