GARDAÍ AT THE Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) have issued an appeal to the public to be vigilant against scams around the Christmas period.

The GNECB have issued guidelines for consumers surrounding online activity and what people should and should not do.

The public is being advised to not click on unsolicited emails or text messages and to not give away personal data like PIN numbers, card numbers or passwords.

“Instead, Gardaí would advise the public to take a screenshot of the text/email, delete it, and report it to your local Garda Station,” said a Garda spokesperson.

Gardaí are also warning of attachments within unsolicited emails and that they shouldn’t be opened. The GNECB have advised that people should ensure that the latest anti-virus software is installed on computers and phones.

Consumers should also be wary of unsolicited phone calls from numbers they do not recognise.

Gardaí have issued specific advice for the public, including:

• Only use secure sites and make sure you are on the real site. Check the URL and look for the trust seals

An Garda Síochána An Garda Síochána

• Make sure to check these sites privacy policy, refunds policy and contact us section 
• Use trusted payment methods and never send cash
• Use sites where a padlock symbol is shown beside the website address
• Do not under any circumstances use public Wi-Fi when making payments – switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary
•  Independently visit the website of the online sales company as opposed to clicking on social media or pop-up adverts
• Be cautious about claiming outrageous offers – if it sounds too good to be true it probably is
• Stick to well-known websites or websites that you are familiar with or websites associated with high street retail outlets