Unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers ramp up their efforts, preying on the goodwill and busy schedules of people preparing for the festive period.
From too-good-to-be-true deals to fake charity appeals, scammers use a variety of tactics to exploit unwary shoppers. Here’s how to spot the warning signs and protect yourself from falling victim to holiday fraud.
1. Online Shopping Scams
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday kicking off the festive spending spree, online shopping becomes a prime target for fraudsters. They lure victims with offers of unbelievable discounts on popular items like electronics, toys, and luxury goods. These "deals" are often fake or involve counterfeit goods.
What to watch for:
Websites with poor grammar, strange URLs, or no contact details.
Pressure tactics such as "limited stock" or "offer ends today."
Lack of secure payment options (no padlock symbol in the browser).
Protect yourself:
Stick to reputable retailers, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or ads, and use a credit card for additional purchase protection.
2. Delivery Scams
With millions of parcels in transit, scammers send fake emails or texts claiming to be from delivery companies. These messages often include links asking you to pay a small fee for redelivery or confirm your details.
What to watch for:
Unexpected delivery notifications for parcels you weren’t expecting.
Links that lead to suspicious websites asking for personal or payment details.
Spelling errors or generic greetings in messages.
Protect yourself:
Verify the sender before clicking on any links, and check directly with the courier if you’re unsure. Legitimate delivery companies rarely ask for extra fees via text or email.
3. Fake Charity Appeals
The spirit of Christmas often inspires generosity, and scammers exploit this by setting up fake charities or impersonating genuine organisations. They may approach you on the street, online, or over the phone.
What to watch for:
High-pressure tactics to donate immediately.
Vague details about how donations will be used.
Charities you’ve never heard of or that don’t appear on official charity registers.
Protect yourself:
Research charities on the UK’s official Charity Commission website, and never feel pressured to donate on the spot.
4. Social Media and Email Scams
Fraudsters often use social media to target individuals with fake competitions, giveaways, or investment opportunities. They also send phishing emails disguised as messages from trusted retailers or brands.
What to watch for:
Requests for personal information to claim a prize.
Requests to feed a poor, starving family. That doesn't really exist.
Links redirecting you to login pages that look official but are fake.
Overly generous "Christmas gift" campaigns from unknown sources.
Protect yourself:
Be sceptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and don’t share personal or financial details without verifying the source.
5. Gift Card Scams
Scammers may ask you to pay for goods or settle debts using gift cards, often claiming to be from government agencies, utility providers, or even a loved one in need.
What to watch for:
Requests to purchase specific gift cards and share the codes.
Stories designed to create urgency, such as "your account will be closed."
Protect yourself:
Remember, no legitimate organisation will ask for payment in gift cards. If you’re unsure, contact the organisation directly using official contact details.
6. Unsecured Wi-Fi Risks
While Christmas shopping on the go, you might be tempted to use public Wi-Fi at cafés or shopping centres. Unfortunately, scammers can intercept your data on unsecured networks.
What to watch for:
Public Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password.
Unusual activity on your accounts after using such networks.
Protect yourself:
Avoid making purchases or accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN if you need to connect securely.
Final Thoughts
The festive season should be about enjoying time with loved ones, not worrying about fraudsters. By staying vigilant and taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself from holiday scams and shop with confidence.
If you believe you’ve been targeted, report the incident to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk) or contact your bank immediately. Let’s keep the festive cheer flowing and the scammers at bay!
Happy Christmas and stay scam-savvy!