Get Safe Online are offering a free training session to the public on how to best protect themselves from online shopping scams on the lead up to Black Friday and Christmas. The training will take place on Tuesday 23 November 2021 between 6pm and 7.30pm over Microsoft Teams.

Black Friday is the day, traditionally after Thanksgiving in America but has expanded internationally, where many online and in-store retailers offer large discounts on their products. Many members of the public flock to these stores for gifts leading up to the Christmas period.

The webinar will cover:

Basic online safety training with an emphasis on safe online shopping.

Strong Passwords.

Safety Software.

Safe online shopping tips.

A focus on website and social media adverts.

Anyone interested in taking part in the training session, please contact commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734. An email address will be needed to access the link to the training session. If you have any questions that you would like covered, please include it in your email or phone call.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, who funds Get Safe Online in Cumbria, said: “Christmas, and the lead up, is a time for joy and many of us are already buying gifts for loved ones.

“The way we shop has changed, with many of us exclusively buying online however online shopping does come with its risks.

“Many cyber criminals are intelligent and can mimic official websites or Facebook pages, steal someone’s information and rob them from a remote area – it’s despicable and can be hard to catch.

“We all need to be aware of the risks and be able to spot the signs of a scam therefore I would recommend everyone taking part in the Get Safe Online training.

“Please join the training, learn more about how to protect yourself and let’s not allow criminals to ruin our Christmas.”

Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online added, “Whether it’s getting the Christmas list ticked off, that last minute gift for someone special or a treat for ourselves, most of us will be buying more online this festive season.

“It’s fantastic being able to take advantage of the convenience, choice and value brought by the internet, but unfortunately it is also a favourite haunt of fraudsters, vying to take advantage of the fact that you have so many distractions in the lead-up to Christmas.

“That why it’s especially important to safeguard yourself, your family and finances when you’re buying online on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and in the run up to Christmas.

“We’re delighted to be able to provide training to help individuals shop safely this Christmas, and if you can join us we’d love to see you there!”