The 12 scams of Christmas
One in four Brits has fallen victim to a scam, with Christmas being the prime time for fraudsters to trap consumers. Most victims fall foul to scams online, with fraudsters using social media and fake emails to offer fake bargains. But just how can you protect your spending this Christmas?
Consumer expert Alice Beer is here with her must-know tips for avoiding the scams.
1. ONLINE SHOPPING: This starts with on Black Friday and Cyber Monday when we throw our credit details out there, and expect to see bargains online. We lose our sense of perspective. If you see a bargain ad or email, don't click on it. If possible use online retailers/brands you are aware of and trust. Always use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to a seller.
2. SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS: Increasingly young people are being approached by fraudsters on social media channels who offer seemingly great Christmas shopping deals. Last year more people than ever reported that they had been initially approached on Instagram with a 64% increase compared to the year before. Analysis showed that Items such as home electricals, mobile phones and jewellery were the most common items which fraudsters offered to victims. Avoid having too much personal information on social media and if you do click on a social media advert do the necessary checks before buying anything. One example at the moment is a notification informing you that someone uploaded photos of you drunk at the Christmas party - clicking the link gives the fraudsters your details.
3. E-CARDS: An increasing number of Christmas cards are being sent via email. Many are genuine; however, be aware that cyber-criminals are creating their own versions, which you do not want to open. The email may contain a virus (malware) that will embed itself onto your electronic device all without your knowledge and then collect personal data, financial information, passwords and usernames which can then be used to commit fraud. Change passwords regularly and make sure you have updated anti-virus software on your computer.
4. FAKE EMAILS: You're going to receive a lot of emails offering your savings over the next week - so watch out for over charging with false deals and goods advertised at cut down prices which aren't real discounts. If in doubt always research a company before opening an email. Look at the address line, it may be very similar to the legitimate address eg: Amozan. There are also a lot of fake emails saying your account has been cancelled, when it hasn't, but prompts you to click through and get your information.
5. FAKE DELIVERY NOTIFICATION: You may get an email from the Post Office saying you have a parcel to collect. You click through and have to put in information, which then gives the scamsters your details. Look at email address and then the URL to see if it's an official site, and if doubt go separately to the page.
6. CHARITIES: This the time of year when people do make a donation, but you don't want this to be the trigger for a deluge of mail and vulnerability over the next year. If you're elderly relatives are making a donation to charity, make sure they do not inadvertently sign up to allow their details to be sold on.
7. AUCTION FRAUD: Auction sites, such as eBay or Gumtree, are a popular way to buy Christmas presents. Whilst the majority of items on sale are genuine, there may also be some items for sale that are either counterfeit or do not even exist. Always use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to a seller. Research the seller before you bid. If available, check their feedback but be mindful this can also be falsified. If you are in any doubt, back out of the sale.
8. FAKE GOODS: Fraudsters use the festive period as an opportunity to 'sell' popular items such as smartphones, gadgets and 'designer' clothing at low prices. If you see a white Apple charger that is £5, it's fake and probably unsafe and poor quality. It's just not worth the risk and insulting to buy your relatives something that could endanger their life.
9. MOBILE PHONE SAFETY: There are lots of quizzes and games going around on mobile phones at the moment which are designed by fraudsters to trick people into parting with their money. There are 'Which Star Wars character are you?' and 'Which Kardashian are you?', by clicking these you unconsciously subscribe to services. Adults - check children's phone bills as this will show any unwanted additional charges.
10. TICKETING FRAUD: Many of us will buy tickets to concerts, the theatre or events as presents this Christmas, however there are many bogus websites offering fake tickets. A tried and trusted formula for fraudsters is to offer cheap deals for tickets to events that have already sold out. In reality the tickets do not exist. Only look at tickets from reputable websites that are secure (showing a padlock) and before buying do an internet search for reviews on the gig/sporting event to see if anyone has fallen victim to a ticketing scam.
11. FAKE GIFT CARDS/COUPONS: Beware of free gift cards and coupons. These often come from big names like Starbucks, you click a post and share it on social media. Some are genuine but 9/10 of these are a scam. Look at the address, past winners and go onto the host website to check authenticity.
12. SECRET SANTA SCAMS: This is the modern-day chain letter. These are sent by email or shared on social media. You send one £10 gift and sign up another six friends and wait for your Secret Santa gifts to roll in. They never do though because this is a scam. Mathematically it can not work, there's more chance of Father Christmas landing his sleigh in the studio in the next hour.