Festive season scams

When it comes to online shopping, we don’t want you to be a target for a cyber criminal.

Everyone wants to have a festive season spoil, but cyber criminals also want their slice of the ‘spending frenzy’ pie. Unaware shoppers are particularly vulnerable at this time of the year and make easy targets.

Before you start clicking ‘add’ to your online basket, here are some things to remember:

  • Cyber criminal attacks increase this time of year
  • Criminals flood email inboxes with “special offers” targeting online shoppers. Be aware of emails that include phrases such as "special", "offer", "sale", "cheap", and "% off".
  • Fake websites are a popular phishing tactic this time of year. Don’t click on links - rather type the URL yourself.
  • Verify websites with special offers by doing an online search to check the customer reviews.
  • Fraudulent apps can also surface on official app stores. Always use verified apps.

What are fake websites and apps? They are tools used by criminals to steal your payment and/or other personal information. They are designed to look just like the real thing, so be vigilant on every site.

Download our friendly infographic here to get tips on how to safeguard you during the festive season.

  • Avoid saving your credit card information on any websites.
  • Enable purchase alert notifications on all your cards and make use of multi-factor authentication on all banking transactions.
  • Use secure payment methods.
  • Be cautious when making international purchases on your credit cards.
  • Only make purchases from your secure home or cellular network; never on public WiFi where your payment could be intercepted.
  • Watch out for deals that are too good to be true.


If you feel you have been a victim of a scam, please contact:

Download our friendly infographic here to get tips on how to safeguard you during the festive season.