With Black Friday & Christmas fast approaching, November & December are 2 of the busiest shopping months of the year. Make sure you know how to protect yourself when shopping online by following the links below.

The busiest time of year for buying online is also a busy time for online criminals. Read our expert, easy-to-follow advice #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

Don’t pay a seller you don’t know for goods by bank transfer … it could be a sign of fraud. Always pay by credit card if you can #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

When buying from an ad on social media or an online marketplace, it’s always best to see the goods before you part with any money #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

Make sure websites you’re thinking of buying from are likely to be safe and not fraudulent at www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying #OnlineBuying

Always check that payment pages are secure by checking that the address begins with ‘https’ (s is for secure) and there’s a closed padlock in the address bar #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

Fake goods are of poor quality, illegal and might even be dangerous in use. Avoid them at all costs, however tempted you are to buy #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

This #BlackFriday and #FestiveSeason, don’t fall victim to a parcel delivery scam. Check out our expert advice #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it to @actionfrauduk at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 #OnlineBuying www.getsafeonline.org/onlinebuying