Brought to you by Bank of Ireland
With the year that’s in it, most of us will be shopping online for Christmas presents over the coming weeks.
While it's a super quick and convenient way to get everything you need for the festive season in the age of Covid, it's also important to shop safely.
That means protecting yourself from fraud and scams when ordering products because you should feel confident shopping and banking online without fear of falling victim to anything untoward.
Recent research commissioned by Bank Of Ireland has revealed that:
- Over half (55%) of us have received a fraudulent email/text message/call claiming to be from our bank.
- The majority of us (90%) are now banking or shopping online, which leaves us all more susceptible to fraud.
- More than six in 10 (62%) of us are worried about being targeted by online fraudsters.
So, it's important to be equipped with the right tips and knowledge when shopping and banking online:
What is Smishing?
Fraudsters may send texts pretending to be from your bank. These will likely contain links to fraudulent websites to trick you into providing your online banking details or card details. Bank Of Ireland will never send you a text with a link to a site that asks you for your full 365Online PIN or one-time passcodes.
What are Vishing calls?
If you receive a phone call out of the blue claiming to be your Bank or another company you trust, it might well be a scam.
Bank of Ireland will never call and ask you for your full 365Online PIN or one-time passcodes that they’ve sent to you in a text. They will never ask you to download any software so they can take control of your computer or phone, or to move your money to a “safe” account”.
If you get a call like this, hang up!
What should you look out for when shopping online?
Fraudsters can be highly skilled at creating websites that seem legitimate.
Make sure that you go directly to the online shopping site by typing the web address into your browser rather than clicking a link in an ad.
Buy from reputable brands or from sites that you know and trust.
Always make sure to shop only on sites where the web address includes ‘https’, but remember that a fake site can also be ‘secure’, so this isn’t the only thing to look out for; be sure to be on your guard.
Avoid identity theft
Identity theft involves someone stealing your personal information and using it to impersonate you. This can be easily avoided by locking away valuable documents, shredding documents (such as bank statements) before throwing them away, clearing information from a device before you sell it or give it away and avoiding sharing personal information on social media.
We sourced these tips from
bankofireland.com/security, where you will find more great tips on keeping your bank account safe and secure.
It's important that you feel confident and empowered when you're shopping online for Christmas this year. With the above tips and advice in mind, you'll be able to relax as you browse and shop for the perfect gifts for your friends and family.
Security Zone is Bank of Ireland’s online hub for information security and a point of reference in the delivery of communications.
The dedicated security zone is one of a number of initiatives to raise customer awareness by Group Information Security, including brochures and engagement with social media and business digital teams
For more information, visit www.bankofireland.com/security-zone.
Brought to you by Bank of Ireland 
