Safe Online Shopping Campaign 2017

Advice for Online Consumers

Detective Superintendent Michael Gubbins, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, said “An Garda Síochána and its partners in Europol are actively targeting cybercrimes such as online fraud. The public need to be aware that the proceeds from these fraudulent activities go to fund organised criminal gangs.”

He advised online consumers to follow the 12 Golden Rules of Safe Online Shopping.
The DO’s:

~ Only buy from trusted sources, shops or brands that you are familiar with

~ Use credit cards when purchasing things online

~ Make sure the data transfer is appropriately protected. Look for the padlock symbol

~ Think twice before allowing e-merchant stores to store your payment details   

~ Be aware how to control the recurring charge if paying for a continuous service online

~ Always save all documents related to your online purchases.
The DON’Ts:

• If you are not buying a specific product or service, don’t submit your card details

• Avoid doing your online shopping at sites that don’t use full authentication

• Never send your Card number, PIN or any other card information to anyone by email

• When purchasing something online from another person, do not send money up front

• Never send your card details in an unencrypted email

• Don’t send money to anyone you don’t know online

REMEMBER

# Regularly check statements and transactions for any frauds or suspicious activity

# If you have a suspicion about an online transaction check your account online to ascertain if the payment was made to the genuine retailer. 

# Report suspicious transactions to your local Garda station and to your bank or card processor.

Online Card Fraud

The Internet provides a safe and convenient forum for people to shop and communicate with friends and family. A recent CSO household survey found that 79% of people who made purchases on line did not experience any problems, while just 2% reported fraudulent activity.

Market research suggests that more and more people are conducting their shopping online with 30% of consumers expecting to use their mobile phone as their main shopping tool in the future. December 2016 saw an increase of 15.4% in online purchases with over 50% of Irish people shopping online, most of whom purchased or sold goods and services with no difficulty. However, in a small number of cases, difficulties do arise and fraud results in users losing money or having their credit/debit card details being compromised.

Overall fraud on card payments is relatively low, but of the fraud that occurs, since the introduction of Chip and PIN, card not present fraud has accounted for the bulk of card fraud. The most common methods for criminals to steal card data are by skimming, email (phishing) scams or phone (vishing or smishing) scams. (see notes below)

In 2016, €41 billion was spent on debit and credit cards issued in Ireland.  €13.2 billion or 32% of this was spent online. There is a clear downward trend in card fraud, when the first six months of 2016 and 2017 are compared, with €20.8 million in card fraud in 2016 versus €16.6 million gross card fraud in 2017.

Full Press Release