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Fraud guide

Tips to shop safely online

Tips to shop safely online

We've made it simpler to shop online safely. Below you will find some tips to help keep you safe.

Don’t get caught out buying online

We all love a bargain but be vigilant when buying from social media and online marketplaces.

  • Watch out for fake ads promising you amazing discounts. 
  • Buy tickets from official sellers and fan sites.
  • Always do your research on the seller by searching for reviews.
  • If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is and could be a scam. 
  • Check the contact details on the website. If there is no address or phone number listed, the site may not be genuine.
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Use secure websites

Fake ads online can sometimes lead you to webpages used to steal your card details.

  • Make sure the web address in your browser begins with 'https://'.  The 's' at the end indicates a secure connection. 
  • Keep an eye out for spelling errors or strange characters in the web address - this can sometimes mean a fake site. 
  • Remember, a secure page does not mean the retailer is reputable.
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Always use a safe way to pay

Pay with your debit or credit card – it’s a safer way to pay and gives you more protection. 

  • If a seller tells you they can’t accept a card payment and asks you to send them money directly, don’t do it. It could be a scam. 
  • Fraudsters often make up stories to try to persuade you to transfer your money to a bank account instead of paying by other safer methods. Be suspicious of anyone asking you to do this.
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Don’t give anyone your full details

Scammers are really convincing, often claiming to be from the bank, Police, or other trusted organisations to gain your trust. Watch out for requests asking for:

  • login details
  • passcode
  • card reader codes
  • money transfers from your account
  • remote access to your device.

These are signs of a scam.

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Don’t open unexpected emails from people you don’t know

Fake emails and texts are doing the rounds.

  • Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls, which appear to be from a genuine organisation or company. 
  • Don't click on links in text messages, emails, or social media adverts. Criminals use these to trick you into giving away your personal information. 
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Call us if you’re ever unsure if something is genuine

We're here to help. Call us using the number from:

  • the back of your bank card
  • or from our website.
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How to avoid ticket scams

Criminals are using social media and online marketplaces to target people trying to get their hands on tickets for the latest concert, festival, or sporting event.

They trick people by offering great deals on tickets that are already:

  • sold out
  • high in demand
  • or not on sale yet.

They'll promise to send you the tickets once you've transferred the money to their bank account. The tickets won't arrive or will be fake and they'll block you from contacting them.

Protect yourself by following the above top tips when booking your next event.

Report fraud

We're here to help, whether you see a transaction you don't recognise, or accidently gave personal details to someone you don't trust.

You can learn more about other types of scams by visiting our fraud guides.

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