On the first day of Christmas first direct sent to me… common scams to avoid during the fes-tivity. There’s all sorts of scrooges out there so we wanted to help you spot scams that involve:
- Deliveries
- Social media adverts
- Romance
- Loans and finance
- Weight loss
- Counterfeit goods
- Phone/vishing
- Ticket fraud
- Pets
- E-cards
- Fake shopping websites
- Holidays
1. Delivery scams
During the Christmas postal rush, keep an eye out for parcel delivery scams, where criminals pose as well-known delivery companies.
They’ll email or text telling you they couldn’t deliver your parcel. Most often then ask for a small re-delivery fee, tricking people into clicking links to websites that look genuine. It’s here they’ll ask for personal and financial information like your address, date of birth, mobile number, bank details etc.
2. Social media advert scams
In the run up to Christmas, fraudsters send out stacks of emails and social media ads promoting great deals. In reality, the offers are fake and just a way to tempt you into sharing your personal and financial information.
3. Romance scams
Yes, Christmas is a time for family and friends, but it’s also a time when some people can feel lonely which is what scammers look for when starting a romance scam.
They’ll get in touch by email or social media and try to get their target chatting, creating an emotional bond with them over time. Eventually, they’ll ask for financial support or money to pay for transport so they can meet up.
4. Loan and finance scams
It’s easy to overspend at Christmas and scammers take advantage of this by offering ‘quick guaranteed loans’ at ‘unbeatable rates’ but remember:
- genuine lenders won’t ask for fees in advance so if you’re asked to pay some, say no
- before taking out a loan, always research the company online
- always read the full terms and conditions
- never set up a loan or make an investment straight from a cold call.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Opens an overlay [Will show a security message first] have a list of authorised loan firms, as well as top tips to avoid dodgy investments.
5. Weight loss scams
New Year, new you? As January approaches, many people plan to get fit and lose weight. However, it can be easy to get duped into signing up for what looks like a free sample of slimming tablets online, with just postage and packaging to pay, only for it to turn out to be an expensive monthly supply or subscription.
Always read the full terms and conditions carefully so you know exactly what you’re signing up to.
6. Counterfeit goods
Toys, electrical items, cosmetics, sports clothing, power tools, cigarettes, alcohol – the online marketplace is flooded with fakes at this time of year. Fake goods aren’t just poorly made, but in some cases they can be dangerous too, as they don’t have to go through the same rigorous tests the genuine ones do. Remember:
- only buy genuine items from reputable sellers
- counterfeiters often steal pictures, text and layout from real websites to make theirs look legitimate, so don’t be fooled just because an advert looks genuine.
7. Phone/vishing scams
This time of year gives scammers many reasons to cold call you and it’s easy to let your guard down in the festive madness.
They could pretend to be retailers, delivery companies, charities and more, in a bid to trick you into handing over personal and financial information. They may also ask for charity donations or offer entry into a giveaway or prize draw.
8. Ticket fraud
Gig, theatre and event tickets make great Christmas gifts but not if you purchase them from a fake site. Fraudsters often:
- sell tickets for events that have already sold out
- get people to pay for tickets that never arrive
- send fake tickets in the post, which people only realise when they go to the event
- say someone will meet them at the event with the tickets, but nobody turns up.
So always search for and buy tickets from reputable secure websites.
9. Pet scams
A dog’s for life, not just for Christmas. Unless it’s a scam and there’s no puppy at all.
Pets are a common Christmas gift and scammers know it. Fake online adverts offer pedigree dogs for sale, with sellers pushing you to act fast and pay up front, before they go to other homes. But once you pay, not only might you never see that pooch which probably didn’t exist anyway, but you may never see your money again either.
10. E-card scams
Digital cards can be a convenient and eco-friendly way to wish someone a very Merry Christmas. But beware, phony e-cards could infect your computer and steal your financial or personal information so only buy them from reputable retailers.
11. Fake shopping website scams
These days, it can be hard to spot the difference between a reputable website and a fake copycat.
That’s because fraudsters can create almost identical versions, luring shoppers in with deals that are too good to miss and either get you to pay for items that never arrive or steal your financial information. When shopping online, always check for:
- ‘https’ and a padlock in the search bar
- any typos in the URL or website
- clear contact information
- online reviews with a trusted provider
- active social media accounts.
12. Holiday scams
Many people book holidays around Christmas and the New Year, to escape the cold and get some winter sun. If you’re planning to jet off, be wary of fake accommodation listings, bogus booking websites and deals that are too good to be true.
Scammers also use fake holiday competitions to trick people into paying a fee that they say will secure a special holiday deal that probably doesn’t exist.