More than 8 million Brits fell victim to online purchase scams at least once during the last year, and three in ten noticed more fake websites and sellers when shopping online, according to the new research conducted by Get Safe Online.

Get Safe Online, the UK’s leading internet safety body, has launched a new campaign following the results of the new research, urging online shoppers to ‘always pay by card’.

Get Safe Online reports that purchase scams involve being asked to pay in advance for goods or services that are never received, with digitally-savvy criminals creating professional-looking websites, social media profiles and documents that appear genuine, but are in fact fake.

With three in five people saying that the cost-of-living crisis has changed their regular shopping habits, fraudsters are exploiting this shift in behaviour and creating new ways to target their victims.

According to Get Safe Online, the fact that 43% of online shoppers seeking out special offers and deals more regularly is leading to an increased risk of consumers being lured in by offers that they would usually consider too good to be true.

Moreover, with 21% saying that they’re turning to social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Instagram, or via second-hand websites more regularly, Get Safe Online warns that the cost-of-living crisis is resulting in more direct bank transfers for online purchases, which in turn increases the risk of them being caught out by purchase scam fraudsters.

Get Safe Online’s new campaign highlights three simple actions to take when purchasing goods and services online and how we can stop funding fraudster:

• Always pay by card, not bank transfer.

• See the item in person if buying from social media.

• Ask yourself, is a deal too good to be true?

Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online, comments: “Falling for a purchase scam is easier than you think.

Unfortunately, fraud is committed by highly skilled, professionally-organised people who employ web designers and rent call centers to give off the appearance of a legitimate company.

“Many people still believe that fraud is easy to spot, and isn’t something that can happen to them – however, amateur adverts and websites are becoming a thing of the past.

“Today, people can make a living out of tricking people out of their money, going to great lengths to lure you in.

“It’s upsetting at the best of times, but the impact is felt more profusely when money is tight.

“In our latest campaign, we highlight the growing professionalism of online fraudsters to challenge the existing perception and encourage everyone to be extra vigilant when shopping online.”

Photo image: “Online Fraud” by Don Hankins is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

(Source: Crime Stoppers UK)