MORE than 2,300 cases of online shopping fraud have been reported to West Yorkshire Police, a study has found.
Specops Software analysed data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau on 44 police forces/constabularies to determine which areas of the UK experienced the most internet shopping and online auction fraud cases between January and October 2020.
Specops Software found that there were 64,070 cases of internet shopping and online auction fraud recorded by 44 police forces from January to October 2020. During this period, June (7,860 cases) was the worst month, followed by May (7,717 cases). March saw the least number of cases at 4,685.
Additionally, from the 64,070 cases, the accumulative financial loss that victims suffered was a colossal £36,262,000.
West Yorkshire Police are in sixth place as they received 2,372 reported cases of internet shopping and online auction fraud from January to October 2020. During this period, June (307 cases) was the worst month. March saw the least number of cases at 176.
Metropolitan Police had the highest amount of internet shopping and online auction fraud cases between January and October 2020, at an alarming 10,926 reports, the equivalent of 36 incidents per day in the capital. From the 10,926 cases, the collective financial loss victims suffered was £6.3 million - equivalent to £577 per case.
In second place is West Midlands Police with 3,104 incidences of internet shopping and online auction fraud reported so far this year.
Victims who fell prey to this crime in the West Midlands incurred an overall monetary loss of £1.4 million.
Specops Software’s top tips on how consumers can stay safe when shopping online this Black Friday and festive period:
1) Be cautious with login credentials
If you create an online account with a retailer, don’t write down the login credentials or share them with others, but do consider using a reputable password manager tool to help you store and remember your details. Likewise, even though it can be a pain, try using a unique password for each retailer you make an online account with.
2) Learn to self-audit websites
If you are unsure about the authenticity of a retailer’s website, then ask yourself these simple questions: Is there a green padlock icon in the URL bar? Do the graphics/images on the website look ‘normal’? Are there obvious spelling/grammatical mistakes on different pages of the website?
If the answer is not favourable to one or more of these questions, then do not make a purchase as the website is likely to be untrustworthy or ingenuine.
3) Avoid using bank transfers
Do not pay for goods and services online using bank transfers. Bank transfers offer no protection if you become a victim to internet shopping and online auction fraud.
4) Enable multi-factor authentication
A lot of established online retailers now offer multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication is where an individual must provide at least two pieces of evidence to prove their identity (i.e. username/password + security question or SMS ‘pin’ token or email ‘pin’ token).
If an online retailer you have an account with offers this service, then opt in for an added level of security and peace of mind.
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