Day 9: Avoid Fraud This Christmas β Stay One Step Ahead π The festive season is a busy time for everyone, including fraudsters. The use scams to exploit your generosity, urgency, and excitement. Hereβs how to protect yourself against common Christmas fraud trends: Online Shopping Scams π β Fraudsters set up fake websites offering deals that seem too good to be true. Stick to trusted retailers and avoid making purchases through lnks in unsolicited emails or ads.Gift card Fraud π³ β Be cautious of emails or calls claiming you must pay fines or bills with gift cards. Legitimate organisations will never ask for payment this way. Parcel delivery scams π¦ β Watch out for fake texts or emails claiming you owe a delivery fee. Always check directly with the courier using official contact details. Fake holiday offers β β Be wary of incredible travel deals or holiday packages on unofficial websites. Always verify the company before booking. Phishing emails π©- Fraudsters often send fake emails pretending to be from well-known brands or charities. Look out for poor spelling, generic greetings, or pressure to act quickly. Bogus Charity Appeals π β Only donate to registered charities. Verify their legitimacy through the charity commissions website. Investment Scams πβ Be cautious of unsolicited offers to invest in in βguaranteedβ returns, particularly in cryptocurrency schemes. Fraudsters often promise huge profits to lure in victims but instead steal your money. Research investments thoroughly and avoid pressure to act quickly. If you are targeted by fraud or suspect a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. π
Letβs enjoy Christmas without falling victim to fraud. Stay alert, trust your instincts, and double check anything suspicious. |