Watch out for identity theft when shopping online. This happens when your personal and financial information is stolen and used illegally to open accounts in your name.

• You should pay attention for fake emails, called ‘spoof emails’. These emails appear to have been sent by well-known/reputable companies or popular web-sites, for example, your bank, insurance agency, online auctions etc., and ask you to reply with personal and financial information. This practice is known as ‘phishing’ or ‘spoofing’.
• Never reply to e-mails that you receive from someone you do not know or from someone that is asking for personal information. Delete these messages immediately!
• Do not open e-mail attachments or click on links embedded within any potentially suspicious email, because this might be forged. We suggest you open a new Internet window and manually type in the link’s URL into the address bar - this will direct you to the legitimate website.
• Never pay via email when shopping online by providing your credit cards details in an ordinary e-mail.
• Regularly review your credit card and bank statements to look for any possible fraudulent charges or withdrawals.
• If you believe you are the victim of a spoof attack and identity theft, report to:

1.  Your bank; and
2. Cyber Crime Unit, Malta Police Force, telephone no. 22942231 or email: computer.crime@gov.mt