Key Points
- The North Wales Police, Andy Dunbobbin, the Police Commissioner, and Get Safe Online are all cautioning online shoppers against online scams.
- Criminals are using phony sites, social media promotions, and online marketplaces to obtain money and personal information.
- It becomes even more important to give this warning during the holiday shopping season.
- Online shoppers need to use secure payment methods and not bank transfers because it is difficult to recover bank transfers in case of any issue.
- Using credit card payments would make them even safer.
- It is advised that shoppers do not click on links in unsolicited e-mails, messages received on text messages or social media.
- The address of a website must begin with http(s) and have a padlock sign before paying anything on it.
- Storing the payment details in browsers or online shopping accounts would make things riskier in case the account gets hacked.
- As per the Get Safe Online advice, if a deal appears “too good to be true”, it would most likely be a scam.
- More details can be found at Get Safe Online.
Wales (Wales Times) November 07, 2026 — North uk/police/">Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, and online safety organisation Get Safe Online have issued a warning to people shopping online as fraudsters target consumers through fake websites, social media advertisements, and marketplace listings.
As reported by Leader Live, the warning comes as households begin their festive shopping, when the promise of discounts and bargains may make people more vulnerable to online fraud. The organisations said criminals are seeking to steal both money and personal information from unsuspecting shoppers.
The campaign urges shoppers to take practical precautions before making a purchase, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar sellers or offers advertised through social media and online marketplaces.
What Are Fraudsters Using to Target Shoppers?
According to the warning, fraudsters are using convincing fake websites, social media adverts, and marketplace listings to reach potential victims. These methods can make fraudulent offers appear legitimate, especially when shoppers are searching for presents, clothing, electronics, event tickets, or vehicles.
North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said fraudsters were becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they presented online offers.
“As more people begin their Christmas shopping, it’s important that we all take a few simple steps to protect ourselves online,” he said. “Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using convincing websites, adverts and marketplace listings to target unsuspecting shoppers.”
Mr Dunbobbin said fraud could affect victims financially as well as emotionally, and that prevention was therefore important. He encouraged shoppers to check who they were buying from, use secure payment methods, and be cautious of deals that seemed too good to be true.
How Can Shoppers Protect Their Money Online?
The organisations advised shoppers to use secure payment methods and to be cautious if a seller asks for payment by bank transfer. According to the guidance, money sent by bank transfer can be difficult to recover if something goes wrong.
Paying by credit card may offer additional protection, according to the advice issued through the campaign. Shoppers were also encouraged to avoid entering payment details unless the website address begins with “https://” and displays a padlock icon.
The warning also advised people not to click links sent in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media messages. Such links may lead to fraudulent websites designed to capture personal or financial information.
Why Are Saved Payment Details a Risk?
North Wales Police financial abuse safeguarding officer Detective Constable Rachel Roberts said that saving payment details in browsers or shopping accounts may be convenient, but could increase the risk of fraud if an account is compromised.
“With household budgets often feeling the strain at this time of year, the promise of a bargain can be tempting,” she said.
“However, shoppers are urged to think twice before taking risks online, as scams and fraud continue to target consumers looking for the best deals.”
DC Roberts said remaining vigilant and taking simple precautions could help protect both finances and personal information.
What Advice Has Get Safe Online Given?
Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said shoppers should take a few simple steps before buying items online, whether they are purchasing a phone, designer clothing, event tickets, Christmas presents, or a vehicle.
“Our advice is simple and easy to follow,” he said. “Golden rule? If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Mr Dunbobbin encouraged shoppers to visit Get Safe Online for further guidance and to share the advice with friends and family.
What Should Online Shoppers Check Before Buying?
The campaign’s guidance can be summarised in the following precautions:
- Check the seller and website before making a purchase.
- Be cautious of offers that appear unusually cheap or too good to be true.
- Avoid paying by bank transfer when buying from an unfamiliar seller.
- Consider using a credit card, which may provide additional protection.
- Do not click links in unexpected emails, texts, or social media messages.
- Confirm that a website uses and displays a padlock icon before entering payment details.
- Avoid saving card details in browsers or shopping accounts where possible.
- Seek further advice through Get Safe Online and share warnings with family and friends.
Background of the Development
The warning was issued jointly by North Wales Police, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, and Get Safe Online. It focuses on online shopping fraud during the festive shopping period, when consumers may be more likely to search for gifts, discounted goods, tickets, and other seasonal purchases.
The advice highlights common methods used in online fraud, including fake websites, misleading social media advertisements, and marketplace listings. It also emphasises payment safety, warning that bank transfers can be difficult to recover and that saved payment details may create additional risk if an account is compromised.
Prediction: How This May Affect Shoppers
The warning may encourage online shoppers in North Wales and beyond to take greater care when purchasing items through websites, social media adverts, and online marketplaces. Shoppers may become more likely to verify sellers, avoid bank transfers, and use payment methods that offer greater protection.
For households managing festive spending, the advice may lead to more cautious purchasing decisions, particularly where offers appear unusually low-priced or sellers request direct bank transfers. The campaign may also increase awareness of the importance of checking website security indicators and avoiding unsolicited links before entering personal or payment information.
