Wiltshire residents shopping online for Black Friday and Christmas have been warned after scammers stole millions in just three months in the same period last year.

Statistics shared by Wiltshire Police show that in the period between November 2022, and January 2023, cyber criminals were able to steal £10 million from unsuspecting victims. 

As a result, the county force says it wants to 'remind our communities to stay vigilant when it comes to buying online and what can be done to limit the risks of cyber threats ahead of this year's busy shopping period'.

In order to prevent people from being duped, it has shared advice on the best way people can protect themselves. 

• Ensure you have a strong email password using three random words that are different to other account passwords. By combining three random words that can each mean something to you so easily remembered but are much harder to guess.

• Turn on two-step verification (2SV) for your email which gives you twice the protection. This means you provide more information to prove your identity, like being sent an access code to your phone, which means even if your password is compromised criminals can’t get access to your email.

Even the most cyber-savvy could be caught out, as criminals use more convincing and legitimate-looking emails, adverts and websites. 

Wiltshire Police fraud protect officer Rachel Davies, said: “Criminals are always looking for new ways of scamming people out of money, so we need to stay one step ahead. By having the basic prevention in place and securing your email will keep you much better protected.

"Also make sure websites you’re on are legitimate, be aware of potential phishing emails and text messages with direct links and be extra wary of sites you haven’t used before.

“With the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many, there are more people than ever looking for more affordable ways to make the festive period special. Just don’t be rushed or pressured into making a costly mistake when shopping online.”

Police add that those of us who know people who are less internet-aware, like some elderly people, should do what we can to talk to them about online fraud and how to stop themselves from becoming victims.

If you’ve been a victim of fraud, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or via their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk.