Shop Safely This Black Friday & Christmas

Black Friday falls on 27th November this year, and the run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of year for online shopping scams. A few simple habits will keep you safe.

1. Shop with retailers you know

Type the shop's web address yourself, or use a bookmark, rather than clicking links in emails, texts or social media adverts. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Check unfamiliar sellers

Before buying from a shop you don't know, look up its reviews on a trusted site such as Trustpilot. Fake shops often appear just before Christmas and vanish soon after.

3. Pay the safe way

Pay by credit card where you can - it gives you extra protection if things go wrong. PayPal is another safer option. Never pay by bank transfer to someone you don't know.

4. Don't be rushed

Countdown clocks and 'only 2 left' messages are designed to stop you thinking. Creating false urgency is a classic sign of a fraudster.

5. Watch out for fake delivery texts

With lots of parcels on the way, 'missed delivery' and 'redelivery fee' texts are common. Check deliveries using the retailer's or courier's own website or app instead.

6. Protect your accounts

Turn on 2-Factor Authentication for your email and shopping accounts (see our 2-Factor Authentication Hot Topic), and use a strong, separate password for each one.

If you've been caught out

- Call your bank straight away using the number on the back of your card, or dial 159

- Forward scam texts to 7726, and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

- Report fraud online at reportfraud.police.uk (this replaced Action Fraud)

Happy (and safe) shopping! HTS are happy to help if you're unsure about a website or message.