Nottinghamshire Police urges shoppers to be aware of online scams when searching for bargains in the Boxing Day and January sales

Police are warning shoppers to be aware of scams as they look to grab a bargain as the Boxing Day and January sales begin.

Online shopping has become the new way to shop quickly and from the comfort of your home and sofa.

Nottinghamshire Police gives advice on how to remain safe online and protect yourself from falling victim to online shopping fraud.

It includes paying attention when choosing where to shop, and making sure you are buying from a website or brand that you know and trust.

Check for the padlock symbol and https:// on the top bar of the screen and ensure the address is spelt correctly before entering any personal information.

Creating strong passwords using three random words and including upper/lower case characters, numbers and symbols for different accounts.

To protect the accounts, turning on the two-step verification known as two-factor authentication is important as it will help prevent hack attacks.

Only fill in the mandatory details on a website marked with an asterisk (*), avoid providing security details, such as mother’s maiden name, or first pet when completing a purchase.

Keep an eye out for suspicious emails, calls and texts, and, most importantly, remember that your bank will never ask for personal details.

Never allow remote access to any device from a pop-up or call, that will be a scam.

Cyber protect and prevention officer Kirsty Jackson, of Nottingham Police said: “We understand the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on people and the advertisement of electrical goods, clothing items, vehicles and other goods can sometimes look incredibly appealing.

“But I want to urge anyone who has that feeling that the deal may be too good to be true to act on their feelings and do more research to stop becoming a victim of cyber crime or fraud.

“We’ve kept the advice as simple as possible and want to show members of the public that developing just a few good online habits and checks could save you hundreds of pounds.”

Kirsty urges people to follow the police's simple tips on how to stay safe when shopping in the Christmas and January sales.

If you believe to have been a victim, it is important to report all fraud and cyber crime incidents to Action Fraud, UK’s national fraud reporting centre.

Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, report message scams by forwarding the original message as a text to 7726.

Report all other fraud or cybercrime to www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.

If you are being subject to a live and ongoing cyber-attack then please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.