With Black Friday just hours away, shoppers are preparing to snap up red-hot deals.

While the day promises significant savings, it also creates a prime opportunity for cyber criminals.

To help you shop safely online and protect your banking details, here are essential tips to ensure a secure shopping experience according to First National Bank.

Shop from verified and authorised websites from trusted retailers only. Make sure you verify a website’s authenticity before making a purchase.

Look for signs like the padlock symbol in the address bar, which indicates a secure connection, and ensure the web address begins with https://. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or unsolicited links promising big discounts.

Research retailers and read reviews before purchasing, especially from a new website. Genuine feedback from other shoppers can help you avoid dodgy sellers or poor-quality products.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of offers that seem unusually good, even on Black Friday.

Scammers often lure victims with deals that are “too good to pass up”. Stick to realistic offers from known retailers.

Beware of courier scams. Once you've made your purchase, scammers can impersonate courier companies to steal personal or banking details. You might receive a message claiming to be from a delivery service, directing you to a fake courier site where you’re asked to pay a small fee.

Never click on suspicious links or share personal details. Always verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the courier directly.

If you suspect you've fallen victim to fraud, act immediately. Contact your bank to report the incident, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for unauthorised transactions.

Most banking apps allow you to set up a virtual card for online shopping. These cards use a dynamic CVV (a code that changes regularly), making it harder for criminals to misuse your card details.

You can also enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect your accounts by adding an extra layer of security, such as a one-time pin sent to your phone.

Always create strong and unique passwords and avoid reusing passwords across different sites. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

Avoid using public wifi connections to make online purchases. Public networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.

Use a private, secured network or a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when shopping online.

Be careful of email scams. Phishing scams are common during sales events. Emails claiming you've won a prize or must "act fast" to secure a deal may lead to malicious sites.

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