Christmas scammers raked in nearly £13.5m last year! Action Fraud has revealed shocking figures showing that over 17,400 shoppers were conned during the festive period—a jump of more than 20% since 2018. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday looming, experts warn Brits to be extra vigilant when hunting for online bargains.
Watch Where You Click!
Thinking of buying from an unfamiliar website? Think again. Do your homework first. Ask friends or family if they’ve used the site and check reviews before handing over your cash.
Guard Your Details
Only create accounts if it’s really necessary or if you’re a frequent shopper on the site. Beware of sites asking for weird personal info like your mum’s maiden name or your old school’s name. That’s a red flag.
Pay Safe, Stay Safe
- Make sure payment pages start with https—that’s a secure site warning.
- Use a credit card where possible. If fraud hits, it’s easier to get your money back without draining your bank account.
Don’t Fall for Phishing Scams
Be suspicious of emails or texts advertising unbelievable deals with dodgy links. When in doubt, don’t click—type the website address directly into your browser.
Got a suspicious email? Forward it straight to [email protected]. Strange texts? Forward them to 7726.
Stay sharp this festive season and avoid falling victim to online fraudsters!
