POLICE are reminding residents to stay vigilant when shopping or carrying out activities online following warnings about criminals using fake websites to steal money and personal information.

Fraudsters often create convincing-looking websites designed to trick people into sharing passwords, financial details or downloading harmful software.

Residents are being encouraged to report any suspicious websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Devon & Cornwall Police have highlighted several warning signs that could indicate a website is fraudulent.

These include prices that appear too good to be true, such as unusually large discounts or investment offers promising guaranteed high returns.

People are also urged to check website addresses carefully for misspellings, unusual characters or addresses that imitate well-known companies.

Poor-quality websites with spelling mistakes, broken links, low-quality images or missing information should also raise concerns.

Other warning signs include websites with no company contact details, business address, privacy policy or returns information.

Customers should also be cautious if they are asked to pay by bank transfer or cryptocurrency, particularly where safer payment options are unavailable.

Anyone who believes they have been scammed should contact their bank immediately by calling 159, which connects customers safely to their bank’s fraud department.

Fraud or cybercrime can also be reported to Report Fraud.

Police are urging residents to remember: Stop, Think and Check.

Taking time to verify information before clicking links, making payments or sharing personal details could help prevent becoming a victim.