There has been an increase since the start of the pandemic of postal scams as more people than ever before are ordering goods online. The latest scam which comes either by message or email claims that payment is required for a package to be delivered and asks the recipient to click on a link to set up a payment. Social media is full of stories relating to the con, warning people to beware and not to be taken in by it.

Trading standards officers warn people not to click on any link as it may connect to a copycat website run by fraudsters and Royal Mail have assured customers that it would never send a text message of this kind and would use a grey card instead to tell people if any fee was required.

How can we be sure then that our details are safe when we purchase goods online so that they do not get into the hands of unscrupulous individuals who are out to steal our identity and details?

There are some really simple ways to shop safely online that everyone should be aware of. Firstly, research retailers online to make sure they are legitimate. Check the company name carefully as some companies change the name of a reputable company slightly to fool buyers into using them thinking that they are using the original company.