It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - so we'd like to ask people to do their best to stop it being a festive time for fraudsters. Below are some timely tips from our partners at Get Safe Online to protect you if you are using the internet to put your orders in for Santa. And we've got some more words from one of our economic crime experts as she works with another organisation in our efforts to advise the public on staying safe. As always, if you have friends or relatives who are not online but would benefit from this advice, please pass it on.

Don’t fall victim to fraud this festive season

The losses were suffered by people buying online who were tricked into paying money directly into a criminal’s bank account. 

But the actual figure is believed to be considerably higher, as the majority of purchase frauds are suspected to go unreported by their victims. 

Whether you’re looking for a pair of trainers, perfume or a car, a games console or a subscription – or that hard-to-find special gift – you can take some simple steps to avoid becoming a victim. 

Your top online buying safety tips 

• However desperate you are to buy an item that’s in short supply or a late present, don’t pay for it by transferring money directly to people or companies you don’t know. If it’s a fraud, your bank may not be able to recover or give you back your money. If you can, pay by credit card.  

• Many fraudsters are substantial organisations which operate as businesses, with the resources to set up fake websites that are very similar to the real thing. Make sure a website is authentic by carefully checking the address is spelled correctly. Ideally, type it in rather than clicking on a link in an email, text or post. Or go to www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite 

• Never part with your payment – even a deposit – for goods you haven’t seen in person. 

• Don’t click on links in emails, texts or posts that you’re not expecting, and don’t open unexpected email attachments.  

• Make sure payment pages are secure by checking that addresses begin with ‘https’ (‘s’ is for secure) and there’s a closed padlock in the address bar. But remember: the https and closed padlock mean that the page is secure, but the site could still be operated by fraudsters.  

• Log out of the web page or app when payment is completed. Simply closing it may not log you out automatically. 

• Don’t knowingly buy fake or counterfeit goods and do all you can to make sure brands you do buy are genuine. Fakes are of inferior quality, contravene copyright law and affect the livelihoods of workers who make the real thing. They can also be unsafe to use.  

• Text messages and emails claiming to be from home delivery firms are also commonplace, informing you that there’s a charge for re-delivering a parcel, or a shipping fee to be paid. However busy you are or how much online shopping you do, keep a record of everything you buy and, if it’s specified, which parcel delivery firm the retailer is using.  

• Reporting fraud is essential. If you’ve lost money to fraud, report it immediately to your bank, as this will increase your chance of getting your money back and the fraudster being traced. Also, report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre on 0300 123 20 40 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk 

We've been working with building society staff to offer fraud-prevention advice to customers

One of our economic crime experts has been working with The Cumberland Building Society to run a series of crime prevention clinics in its branches to raise awareness and answer customers’ questions. Detective Constable Claire Keyes regularly does drop-in sessions at places such as libraries and various banking providers, with this being the latest such series of sessions. “What people should realise is fraudsters are often organised criminals who know how to manipulate people and get what they want,” said DC Keyes. “Many of us have probably had a phone call, text message or email where someone is offering a service that is fake.

“Or we’ve received an email where the sender has asked us to click on a link, with the motive being to carry out fraud or cybercrime.

“It is very important people know that being defrauded is not their fault; they should not feel ashamed – they are victims of crime just like every other victim of crime,” added Claire who was on hand to reassure customers and provide vital advice.

The Cumberland has a financial crime team working full-time to minimise the risk of online fraud and respond to any questions or concerns.

Amanda Nattrass, financial crime team leader with The Cumberland, said that while her colleagues are constantly working in the background to minimise threats, there are some simple steps that everyone can take in order to avoid falling victim to scams and fraudsters.

She said: “We would never ask you to disclose card details, One Time Passcodes or Internet Banking details. Anyone who asks for these is not genuine and these should never be disclosed to anyone.

“Also be wary of who you are speaking to even if it appears to be from a trusted source – phone number, text message or email. If you have any doubt please hang up and contact us on a separate phone line or wait 15 minutes to ensure the line is clear.

“All our staff have been trained in how to deal with fraud and will be able to help with any concerns people may have."

What to do if you have been the victim of fraud

The first thing you should do if you’ve been a victim of fraud is to contact Action Fraud. You can report a fraud via their online fraud reporting tool, or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

Online Reporting Tool

If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999.

If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.

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