With the festive season fast approaching, online shopping becomes a bustling hub for gift hunters.

However, this convenience also opens doors to potential cyber threats.

Vicky Salmon, the anti-fraud community safety coordinator at Lincolnshire County Council, highlights the surge in cybercrime during this period

"Online shoppers in the UK lost over £10m to cyber criminals between November 2022 and January 2023," she said.

"With a lot of that figure coming from fake purchase fraud, when Christmas shopping online this season, take steps to protect your accounts.

"We also recommend staying vigilant when it comes to shopping online as cyber criminals are likely to use AI technology to produce more convincing scam emails, fake adverts, and bogus websites."

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: "Online shopping and auction sites can save time, effort, and money.

"Millions of people use websites to buy new or second-hand goods for competitive prices with the opportunity to purchase a huge choice of goods from all over the world.

"Because buyers and sellers rarely meet, when you make a purchase or a sale on a website, you are reliant on the security measures of the website.

"Always be wary if you are encouraged to move away from the website to complete any transactions, even if you are being offered a 'discount' to do so."

This situation underscores the need for vigilance and strategic steps to ensure a safe online shopping experience.

Don't let scammers ruin your festive cheer

To combat the rise of sophisticated cybercrime tactics, including the use of AI in creating convincing scam emails and websites, experts advise shoppers to be extra cautious.

One key step is using strong, unique passwords for each online account, combining three random words with numbers and special characters.

Additionally, enabling 2-Step Verification, which requires a code sent to your phone for new device sign-ins, significantly boosts account security.

When it comes to actual shopping, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Scammers often lure victims with extremely low prices.

It's crucial to research online sellers thoroughly and verify that you are dealing with a legitimate company.

For payment, using a credit card is advisable, as most major credit card providers protect online purchases and can offer refunds under certain circumstances. This measure also limits the risk to your main bank account.

Smart strategies for online transactions

Lincolnshire Police advise against falling for phishing emails or texts claiming outstanding delivery charges or missed delivery rescheduling fees.

These messages often include links that lead to fraudulent websites where criminals harvest bank details.

To stay safe, avoid clicking on such links. Instead, directly visit the retailer's website to check the status of your delivery.

Another vital tip is to remain on the shopping website for the entire transaction.

Be sceptical of requests to pay via bank transfer or virtual currency, as these are red flags for potential scams.

Before finalising any purchase, ensure the connection is secure, indicated by a 'closed' padlock in the browser's bar.

However, remember that a secure connection does not automatically guarantee the retailer's legitimacy.

For those engaging in online selling, it's crucial to verify payment receipt through your usual login method, rather than through links provided by buyers.

Be cautious about where you send items, as fraudsters may request delivery to alternative addresses, which could void any protection offered by the website or payment service.

Building a safe shopping environment

The combined efforts of Lincolnshire County Council, Lincolnshire Police, and other local organisations aim to create a safer shopping environment for everyone in the community.

By sharing these expert insights and strategies, they seek to empower shoppers with the knowledge to protect themselves against the rising tide of online fraud.

As we embrace the joy and convenience of online shopping this Christmas, let's also arm ourselves with the wisdom to navigate the digital marketplace safely.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a festive season free from the stress of cyber threats, ensuring that your holidays remain merry and bright.

If you suspect something may be dodge, report fraud to Action Fraud and for further information visit Citizens Advice