CHESHIRE Constabulary is backing a new campaign that has been devised to help people make safe and secure payments online.

Launching today, Thursday, by Get Safe Online, the Safe Payments campaign focuses on how we can all avoid falling victim to online fraudsters when making financial transactions.

Tony Neate, chief executive of Get Safe Online, said: “These days you can pay for almost anything online – products, services, tickets, holidays even your next car, van or motorcycle.

“You can donate to charity, buy a driving licence or passport or pay to download, stream, play or gamble online.

“It is fast and convenient, but there are also risks attached, with cybercriminals doing all they can to divert your money into their pockets.

“Our new Safe Payments campaign aims to thwart these cybercriminals by informing people how they can protect themselves and their finances.”

Detective sergeant Chris Maddocks, from Cheshire Constabulary’s Cyber Crime Team, added: “Unfortunately there are a number of pitfalls when it comes to making payments online, with cybercriminals ready to take advantage of those who are not as vigilant as they could be.

“People need to be aware of ways to make sure that the online payments they make are safe and secure, to both protect their finances and to stop criminals in their tracks as they look to commit online fraud and cyber and cyber enabled crime.

“As such, we wholeheartedly support the new Safe Payments campaign and urge people to be vigilant and follow our partner organisation Get Safe Online’s advice when paying for things online.”

The new campaign offers expert tips to avoid falling victim to cybercriminals when making online payments.

For more information visit getsafeonline.org/safepayments.