The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has updated their guidance on safe online shopping and payments. With online shopping becoming a regular part of our daily lives, both for personal and business use, it’s crucial to follow best practices to stay secure. Here are some key tips from the NCSC to help you shop safely online:

Check the shop’s legitimacy

Criminals often send emails or texts with links to fake shops that mimic legitimate websites, including logos and convincing web addresses. To avoid falling victim to these scams, never click on links from emails unless you are absolutely certain of their source. Use consumer review websites to verify the legitimacy of a site and check the reputation of businesses you are considering. If possible, type the shop’s official web address directly into your browser’s address bar. When using a search engine, review the results carefully rather than clicking on the first link immediately.

Pay by Credit card

Credit cards generally offer more protection for online purchases compared to other payment methods. While services like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay can be convenient, they may not provide the same level of protection, so check their terms and conditions for details. Avoid paying by direct bank transfer, as it offers less security.

Be cautious with personal information

Only provide the mandatory details required for payment, which are typically marked with an asterisk. The NCSC advises against creating an account unless you plan to be a regular customer, so use the ‘checkout as guest’ option where possible. If you use PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, you often won’t need to create an account. Do not save payment details in your browser, and if you do create an account, avoid storing your payment information for future purchases.

Use strong passwords

Ensure that your shopping, online banking, and payment accounts are protected by strong, unique passwords that are not used for any other accounts. If a hacker obtains the password for one account, they could potentially access others. Additionally, enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts even if they have your password.

By following these tips, you can enhance your online safety and reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud. For more detailed guidance, please see: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely