Shopping safely online during the festive period
Published: 13/12/2021
Many of us are spending more time than ever shopping online, especially over the festive period. NTU want you to stay safe when doing so, and our guidance can help you to avoid scam websites, and purchase items safely.
Surveys show that Cyber Criminals use busy shopping periods to try and coerce or trick individuals into parting with their money or personal information using a variety of evolving online financial scams.
Here are our Top 10 tips for staying safe when shopping online:
Tip 1 – Choose where you shop carefully
It's worth doing some research on online retailers to check they're legitimate. Read feedback and reviews from people or organisations that you trust, such as consumer websites. Some of the emails or texts you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you're unsure, don't use the link.
Think twice, click once. If something is unexpected don’t trust it – delete it!
Tip 2 – Use a credit card for online payments
Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases, and are obliged to refund you in certain circumstances. Using a credit card (rather than a debit card) also means that if your payment details are stolen, your main bank account won’t be directly affected.
Tip 3 – Shop on secure websites
When it's time to pay for your items, check there's a 'closed padlock' icon in the browser's address bar. It will look like this and the key things to look out for are:
The padlock icon doesn’t guarantee that the retailer itself is legitimate/reputable (and that their website is secure). It means that the connection is secure. If the padlock icon is not there, or the browser says not secure, then don’t use the site. Don't enter any personal or payment details or create an account.
Tip 4 - Only provide enough details to complete your purchase
You should only fill in the mandatory details on a website when making a purchase. These are usually marked with an asterisk (*) and will typically include your delivery address and payment details. You shouldn't have to provide security details (such as your mother's maiden name, or the name of your first pet) to complete your purchase.
Tip 5 – Don’t create accounts if you don’t need to
If possible, don't create an account for the online store when making your payment. You can usually complete your purchase without having to create an account, or by using an online payment platform (such as PayPal). If you think you'll become a regular customer with the store, then you may want to create an account with them. The store may also ask you if they can save your payment details for a quicker check-out next time you shop with them. Unless you're going to use the site regularly, don't allow this.
Tip 6 – Keep your accounts secure
If you're using the same password for your online accounts (or using passwords that could be easily guessed), then you're at risk. Hackers could steal your password from one account, and use it to access your other accounts. For this reason, you should make sure that your really important accounts are protected by strong unique passwords that you don't use anywhere else.
Tip 7 - Watch out for suspicious emails, text messages and websites
You'll probably receive many messages from online stores, as a result of 'opting in' to receiving communications from them. Lurking amongst these genuine messages, there may well be fake ones (containing links designed to steal your money and personal details) that can be very difficult to spot. Read the NCSC’s guidance on dealing with scam emails, phone calls and text messages and how to report them.
Tip 8 – Update your device and your anti-virus software
Make sure your machine is running the latest version of your operating system and install system updates immediately. Updating your operating system and anti-virus software ensures your machine has the latest software to protect itself and you from online threats. Your university owned equipment will prompt you when it needs updating, please always do this as soon as you can but your personal devices may need you to be proactive.
Tip 9 – Trust your instincts
It’s safest to stick with well-known, reputable retailers. If a site doesn’t look professional, or has strange pop-up ads, it’s best to steer clear – no matter how tempting the prices. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Tip 10 – Learn more about staying safe from cyber criminals
Did you know that NTU have student focused cyber security awareness videos available online? One of the ways to improve your own security awareness and learn the basics on how to stay safe both whilst studying and in your personal life is by viewing these cyber awareness stories and videos here:
Top tips to avoid online scams (ntu.ac.uk)
Keeping safe at NTU: What is phishing and how to spot a phish
If students believe they have fallen victim to any Cyber Security scams, then report this to the DT service desk.