Gardaí issue safety advice to online shoppers ahead of Cyber Monday

Gardaí have issued safety advice to online shoppers ahead of Cyber Monday (November 28). 

A day dedicated to purchasing sales online, Cyber Monday originated in the United States and has grown in popularity in Ireland over the past number of years. 

Gardaí urge people availing of special offers and deals to be wary of the dangers of cyber fraud. 

In a social media post, they stated: "Cyber Monday is a good time to purchase online goods and services, but is also when cyber frauds occur. Avoid ‘special offers’ by email or pop-up ads with ‘deals’. Please ensure you use official websites with Multi Factor Authentication and secure payment platforms." 

Other advice includes only using trusted websites and auction sites, using secure payment apps and platforms, monitoring account transactions, and only completing purchases onsite. 

Gardaí also recommend keeping personal or account information private, keeping software and passwords updated, and not using public wi-fi to shop online.