How to Avoid Scams This Christmas: Stay Safe While Getting Festive

Christmas is a time for giving, celebrating, and spending time with loved ones—but sadly, it’s also a peak time for scammers to try and take advantage of our festive spirit and busy schedules. 

Whether you’re shopping online, donating to charity, or even just checking your inbox, staying scam-savvy can save you a lot of stress (and money!).

Here’s how to keep the season merry and bright—and scam-free.

1. Stick to Trusted Retailers

Scammers love to set up fake websites that look eerily similar to the real thing, especially when everyone’s on the hunt for a last-minute deal. To stay safe:

Always type in the URL of your favourite retailers rather than clicking on links from ads or emails.

Look for the padlock icon in the address bar—though this isn’t a guarantee of safety, it’s a good first check.

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. A £20 PlayStation 5? Probably not legit.

2. Watch Out for Fake Delivery Texts and Emails

Royal Mail, DPD, Evri and other couriers don’t usually ask for payment to redeliver a parcel. Scammers often send texts or emails pretending to be from these services, asking you to click a link or pay a small fee.

Never click links in unexpected texts or emails—go directly to the courier’s official website.

Check the sender address carefully. Scam emails often have strange email domains like @deliveryconfirm123.net.

3. Be Cautious With Online Marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and even eBay can be hotspots for scams during the festive rush.

Always pay through the platform’s secure payment system—never send money directly via bank transfer or PayPal Friends & Family.

Meet in person for local pick-ups where possible, and inspect the item before paying.

If it sounds dodgy, it probably is—trust your gut.

4. Don't Fall for Charity Scams

The season of goodwill can sadly attract fake charities hoping to prey on our generosity.

If you want to give, donate directly through a charity’s official website or a trusted platform like JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving.

Check that a charity is registered in the UK using the Charity Commission's search tool.

5. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Social Media Ads

You might see tempting ads for incredible deals on everything from perfume to electronics. Many of these are scams.

Check reviews—not just on the company’s site, but through independent sources.

Search the company name with keywords like “scam” or “review” before buying.

Be wary of newly created pages with little to no information.

6. Keep Your Devices Secure

Use the Christmas season as a reason to do a bit of digital housekeeping.

Enable two-factor authentication on your email and bank accounts.

Keep your devices updated with the latest software and antivirus protection.

Use strong, unique passwords (a password manager can help if that sounds like a lot to remember!).

7. Educate the Whole Household

Scammers often target vulnerable people—especially the elderly. Take some time to chat with your family about common scams and how to avoid them.

Share what to look out for and encourage them to double-check with someone they trust if something seems off.

Final Word 

Scammers don’t take a holiday—if anything, they get more active. But with a little awareness and some common sense, you can enjoy a scam-free Christmas and focus on what really matters.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free festive season for 2025!

Stay Scam-Savvy This Christmas Season: Protect Yourself from Festive Fraudsters

The Christmas season is a time of giving, joy, and togetherness. 

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!