Take extra care while shopping
In order to protect yourself and your loved ones during Christmas shopping, it is important to pay extra attention to which websites you shop from.
Here are our specific tips to avoid being scammed👇
Check the URL carefully: Fake websites can often have URLs similar to real websites, but with slight differences. Check for unusual characters or spelling errors in the URL. For example, a fake website can use "KjentNorskNettsie.no" instead of "KjentNorskNettside.no". It can be easy to overlook such small differences when you're on the move, so take the time to double-check the URL before shopping.
Check for HTTPS: Make sure the website you are shopping from has a secure connection. You can see this by the fact that the URL starts with "https://" and that there is a padlock icon next to it. HTTPS indicates that the data sent between you and the website is encrypted, making it harder for fraudsters to steal your information. If a website does not have HTTPS, you should avoid providing personal or payment information.
Read reviews: Check reviews from other customers to see if the website is reliable. Be skeptical of websites with few or no reviews. Fraudsters often create new websites that have no history or feedback from customers. Use sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to find reliable reviews. If a website has a lot of negative reviews or no reviews at all, it's best to stay away.
Avoid clicking on links in emails: Fraudsters often send out fake emails that look like they come from well-known stores. These emails may contain links to fake websites. Go directly to the store's website instead of clicking on links in emails. If you receive an email with an offer that seems too good to be true, you can open a new browser tab and manually enter the store's URL to check if the offer is genuine.
Use a credit card: Credit cards often offer better protection against fraud than debit cards. If something goes wrong, you can get your money back more easily. Many credit card companies also offer fraud protection, which means you won't be liable for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any suspicious transactions on your credit card, you should contact the credit card company as soon as possible to report the fraud and have the card blocked.
Be aware of unusual payment methods: Fake websites may ask you to pay with unusual methods such as gift cards, bank transfers or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are often more difficult to trace and refund than traditional payment methods such as credit cards or Vipps. If a website insists that you use an unusual payment method, you should be skeptical and consider shopping elsewhere.
Keep your software up to date: Make sure your operating system, browser and anti-virus software are up to date. Updates often include security improvements that protect you from the latest threats. Enable automatic updates where possible so you always have the latest protection.
Use strong passwords: Use unique and strong passwords for each website you shop from. Avoid using the same password on multiple sites, as this increases the risk of fraudsters gaining access to several of your accounts if one password is accidentally leaked.
Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password. Enable 2FA where possible, especially on accounts that contain sensitive information or payment information.
Be skeptical of unrealistic offers: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Fraudsters often use lures to attract victims. Be especially careful with websites that offer products at significantly lower prices than the competition.
With these tips, you can shop safely and avoid being deceived by fake websites. Remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. Happy Christmas shopping and be safe!🎁
