Droitwich residents warned over Black Friday 'bargains' - The Droitwich Standard

Droitwich residents warned over Black Friday 'bargains'

Droitwich Editorial 23rd Nov, 2018   0

A WARNING has gone out to shoppers to be careful what they are buying on ‘Black Friday’.

The sales day where special offers are brought in traditionally follows Thanksgiving in America but for the last few years it has been introduced by retailers in the UK.

Ahead of Black Friday today, Droitwich Spa Neighbourhood Watch has urged shoppers to be careful both online and off about what they are buying.

Here is the advice given:




Lots of items are not cheaper on Black Friday, so check and shop around. Company’s trick people into thinking they are getting a great deal because it’s Black Friday, when in a few months an item could be less in the sales.

With a sharp rise in fraud reported at Christmas time it is more important than ever that people do everything they can to protect themselves from fraudsters, stopping them from enjoying the holiday season at the expense of others.


Think before you buy

If something seems too much of a bargain, it’s probably poor quality, fake or doesn’t exist.

Never click on unsolicited emails or text messages. Criminals can use the technology to make emails or texts look like they come from a legitimate business or organisation.

If you’re buying tickets, always buy from official sources and never pay by direct transfer.

If you’re buying a holiday online, research it thoroughly to ensure that is a genuine offer and check to make sure it is registered with ABTA and ATOL.

Think when you’re buying

Use methods like PayPal when buying on auction sites; never transfer money to someone you don’t know.

Secure Wi-Fi is vital for your privacy. Check that the network you’re using is secure before you make any financial transactions.

 

Keep your purchases secure

Always ensure that you keep your anti-virus software, operating systems and other security measures are up-to-date on your electronic devices.

Create strong passwords that are unique for each account you have.

A good way to create a strong and memorable password is to use three random words.

Happy shopping and stay safe!

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