CHESHIRE Police is reminding people of the dangers posed by online criminals in the festive season as Operation Blue Christmas continues.

With Christmas little over a week away, there are more and more people taking to the internet to buy last-minute gifts and presents.

While most of us will go about this in a safe way, there are some criminals who look to ruin people′s Christmas by targeting them online.

From avoiding counterfeit goods to fraudulent websites, Cheshire Police are reminding people of some top tips to stay safe online this Christmas;

- Counterfeit goods − Christmas can get expensive when pricey gifts mount up so searching for a bargain is good advice. However, remember that if you′re shopping online and see a price discount that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Some criminals will try to sell faulty or counterfeit goods on the internet.

- Unrealistic delivery times − Everyone panics that there′s not enough time to buy last-minute gifts. If you come across a website that offers unrealistically quick delivery times, close to Christmas Day, be cautious that it might not be all it seems.

-Fraudulent websites − Some fraudulent websites may try to take your personal information to commit fraudulent transactions. When buying gifts online from websites that you′re not familiar with, make sure they are legitimate and have secure payment pages. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of the site, don′t risk it.

Det Supt Geraint Jones, said: "Christmas is a time that sees an increase in online activity as people buy gifts for friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, it is also a time in which online criminals will try to take advantage of people′s generosity.

"Cheshire Police will continue to investigate cases of fraud and work with partner agencies to bring online criminals to justice. As Christmas comes even closer I would urge everyone to exercise caution and not take risks online. It is about protecting yourself and making sure that any websites you access are legitimate and secure.

"The Cheshire Police website is full of useful information on how to stay safe and I would encourage anyone who is looking for more tips to take a look."

For more information about all of the Operation Blue Christmas activity and advice of on internet security and cybercrime, visit cheshire.police.uk and follow us on Twitter @cheshirepolice.