The Consumer Association say they’ve noticed an increase in online scams since the pandemic began.
The organisation says some shoppers have become overly familiar with purchasing online and have let their guard slip as a result.
It comes as Gardaí appeal to people to be careful when buying online, as the rush for Christmas shopping and Black Friday deals begins.
Chief Executive of the CAI Dermot Jewell has these tips for spotting a scam site.
"The web address will always start with http:// - and there needs to be an 's' on the end of that - https://
"That dictates that it's a secure site.
"Also just next to that you will generally see a padlock icon - that's another sign that the site is safe and reputable."
