How should you protect yourself from online fraudsters? A good place to start is adopting the two-minute rule. New analysis shows that the effects of being tricked by online scammers are wide-ranging, including ending up with serious financial struggles. Scammers are increasingly turning to sophisticated forms of digital technology designed to fool the recipient.
Digital scams are fraudulent online schemes—phishing emails, fake websites, or social media scams—designed to steal money or personal data.
The good news is that most scams can be avoided with a few simple checks before you click “buy.” This comes from Lior Pozin, Founder of Build Your Store, who has recommended a series of actions for Digital Journal readers to consider.
Scrutinise the URL
Don’t just glance at it. Type the retailer’s address directly into your browser rather than clicking links. Look for HTTPS and the padlock icon. Be wary of slight misspellings or unusual domain extensions.
Test the contact details
Genuine retailers provide working phone numbers and physical addresses. Try calling them before you buy. If nobody answers, that’s a red flag.
Research independently
Don’t rely on testimonials on the seller’s own website. Search for the company name alongside words like “scam” or “fraud.” Check independent review sites and see what other customers are saying.
Question unbelievable deals
If a retailer is offering 70-80% off high-demand items during peak shopping season, ask yourself why. Genuine retailers rarely need to slash prices dramatically when demand is high.
Pay safely
Credit cards purchases over a certain amount and payments made through PayPal often offer fraud protection. Bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and gift cards don’t. Never pay using methods that can’t be reversed.
Check the domain age
Websites created just weeks before Christmas specifically for holiday shopping should raise immediate suspicions. Use WHOIS lookup tools to see when a domain was registered. https://who.is/
Verify business credentials
Legitimate UK retailers display Companies House registration numbers and VAT numbers. Check these details independently rather than trusting what’s on their website.
If the Worst Happens
Fallen for a scam? Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to report the fraud and potentially stop the payment. Report the incident to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.
Document everything, save emails, receipts, screenshots, and all communications with the seller. If you created an account on the fraudulent site, change your password on any other sites where you use the same credentials. Then alert others by reporting fake websites and social media accounts to the platforms.
The Two-Minute Rule Online shopping experts emphasise one simple principle: take two minutes to verify a seller’s legitimacy before purchasing. Those 120 seconds could save you hundreds or thousands of pounds, plus the considerable stress and disruption of dealing with fraud during what should be the most joyful time of year.
