Buying a Figaro can be a safe and straightforward process, as long as you take these few simple steps to protect yourself.

Protect your PC

• Ensure security software is up-to-date, including anti-virus protection, anti-spyware software and a firewall
• Block spam emails and use an up-to-date web browser
• Encrypt your wireless network to protect against eavesdroppers and freeloaders
• Visit getsafeonline.org for more information on protecting your PC

Avoiding scams

If a car is being offered at a much cheaper price, ask yourself why. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

• Make sure the seller has a valid address and telephone number – be wary of mobile phone numbers, always visit the seller at home and never buy without seeing and driving the vehicle first
• Be wary of requests for upfront payments or private information, a false sense of urgency or unnecessary details – it could be a vehicle export scam
• Never wire money abroad as it is often a ‘fraudulent’ seller

Protect your identity and privacy

• Avoid identity theft by using an up-to-date web browser and blocking bogus emails with a spam filter
• Use a secure password, with a mix of words, letters, numbers and punctuation, and avoid using names of loved ones or other easy-to-guess passwords
• Be careful about the personal information you give away online (such as on blogs and social networking sites)

What to do if you think you’re a victim

If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraudster, contact Figaro Trader immediately by emailing figarotrader@02.co.uk