People shopping online have been urged to take additional security measures on their online accounts amid an increase in reports of hacking attempts linked to retail apps.

The nationwide Protect Network has observed a rise in incidents where criminals gain access to customer accounts and use them to make unauthorised purchases, often exploiting 'buy now and pay later' options or online credit facilities.

Initial PSNI observations suggest that many accounts are being compromised due to weak or reused passwords. In some retail apps, security features may rely solely on a password, making them vulnerable if a criminal obtains or guesses the credentials. Once inside, hackers can change delivery details, alter linked payment methods, or make credit purchases.

Inspector Tori Anderson from Scamwise confirmed the local impact:

"With Christmas fast approaching, we know more people are shopping online... However just this week, we have identified four victims, who have sadly been targeted through online retails apps." The PSNI is reminding the public to take simple but crucial steps to protect themselves and prevent scammers from exploiting the busy festive period.

Key security recommendations include:

• Use Stronger Passwords: Adopt the National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) ‘Three Random Words' guidance or utilise a Password Manager tool. Weak or repeated passwords significantly increase the risk of compromise.

• Enable Additional Security: Where available, customers should activate additional security features such as Two-Step Verification (2SV) or Passkeys to further secure online accounts.

The public is directed to the NCSC's Cyber Aware webpage for further support and guidance. Police will continue to liaise with Action Fraud and Scamwise partners to monitor local trends across Northern Ireland.

If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police on 101, to your bank immediately, or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or you can call 0300 123 2040. Information and advice is also available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or via the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni.