Pop up cyber crime event to provide shoppers with tips to avoid fraudsters this Christmas

Next week the Constabulary's Cyber Crime Team will be opening their own pop up shop at Cheshire Oaks, giving members of he public tips and tricks in how to avoid scammers over the festive season.

The team's pop up shop, which will be open from Monday 18 December to Wednesday 20 December between 8.30am and 4.00pm, is a great opportunity for members of the public and Christmas shoppers alike to meet with the Cyber Crime Team, find out what their job entails and be guided on how to stay safe online and draw attention to the risks associated with internet use.

The pop up can be found at the centre of the shopping village, near to the Ralph Lauren and Under Armour stores.

Detective Sergeant Dave MacFarlane, of the Force's Cyber Crime Unit, said:

"At this time of year, a lot of us are out buying gifts for our friends and relatives for Christmas, but it is worth remembering that not everyone will be in the festive spirit, with scammers doing their utmost to take advantage of busy shoppers.

"By hosting this event at Cheshire Oaks, we hope to raise awareness of online crime in the region and highlight the basic steps people in Cheshire can take to avoid becoming victims of online fraud.

"As people continue to be effected by online crime, it is so important that we provide safety advice to the public so they can tackle issues as they arise. The event is about highlighting the real risk to the public, and giving them advice personal to them.”

For more advice on how to stay safe online visit www.getsafeonline.org