Online shopping has become a common way for many Ukrainians to acquire goods and gifts, but with convenience comes risks. Cybercriminals are constantly improving their schemes, so it’s crucial to know how to secure your money and personal data.

To avoid falling victim to fraudsters when shopping online, follow these simple yet effective rules:

Choose cash on delivery. Many scammers sell non-existent products at attractive prices, aiming to get your advance payment before disappearing with your money.

Check market prices. Malicious actors create fake pages for popular stores and offer "exclusive" discounts. If an offer seems too good to be true compared to other sellers, it’s a red flag.

Be wary of suspicious links. Avoid clicking on dubious links from emails, social media, or messengers. Scammers create phishing sites that visually mimic legitimate stores. Pay attention to the URL – even a slight difference can indicate a scam. Also, ensure the secure https protocol is used at the beginning of the URL.

Do not enter payment details on unfamiliar websites. Before making a payment, check the store's reputation: read reviews, look for information on independent resources. If the platform offers payment on delivery, consider using that option.

Never share your card details with third parties. Your card number, CVV code, and one-time bank confirmation codes are keys to your funds. Bank employees never ask for this information.

Use a separate card for online payments. Top it up right before making a purchase to minimize the risk of losing funds in case of data compromise.

Ensure that you have 3D Secure enabled. This technology provides additional verification when paying online. However, the store must also support it – if the platform doesn’t require payment confirmation, it may be a warning sign.

Avoid making payments through public Wi-Fi networks. Open networks can be compromised, allowing criminals to intercept confidential information.

Check QR codes in public places. Criminals may place QR codes in public areas that lead to fake websites. Always verify the URL after scanning and avoid QR codes from unknown sources.

Additional recommendations for payment security can be found on the website of the National Bank of Ukraine.

Stay cautious, and your online shopping will be safe!

Department of Cyberpolice of the National Police of Ukraine