December 17th 2024
Scammers thrive during the festive season, exploiting the flurry of online shopping and charitable giving. Older adults are especially at risk, with a fraud victim reported every 40 seconds in England and Wales. Our guide outlines 12 common scams and how to avoid them. For more, visit our YouTube playlist featuring short videos on each scam.
- Fake Delivery Scam
Scammers pose as delivery companies, sending fake texts or emails requesting personal information.
How to Stay Safe:
- Delivery companies won’t ask for personal details.
- Contact the delivery service directly if unsure.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 to report them.
- WiFi Scams
Public WiFi networks can be exploited by hackers to steal your data.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid online shopping or banking on public WiFi.
- Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when not in use.
- Use a VPN to encrypt your data.
- Christmas E-Card Scam
Malware can be hidden in fake holiday e-cards.
How to Stay Safe:
- Don’t open e-cards from unknown senders.
- Be cautious even with familiar senders—accounts can be hacked.
- Gift Card Scam
Fake gift cards sent via email often contain malware.
How to Stay Safe:
- Verify sender details carefully.
- Avoid clicking on links or attachments.
- Contact retailers directly if unsure.
- WhatsApp Relative Scam
Fraudsters impersonate family members to request money.
How to Stay Safe:
- Call the relative’s original number to verify.
- Ask a personal question only they would know.
- Facebook Business Page Scam
Fake Facebook pages mimic legitimate businesses to sell counterfeit goods or steal money.
How to Stay Safe:
- Research the business and check reviews.
- Be cautious of newly created websites or negative feedback.
- Gift Card Payment Scam
Scammers demand payment via gift cards, making stolen funds hard to trace.
How to Stay Safe:
Never pay for anything with gift cards unless purchasing directly from the retailer.
- Christmas Charity Scam
Fraudsters exploit the season’s generosity with fake charities.
How to Stay Safe:
- Verify charities on the Charity Commission’s website.
- Avoid clicking donation links in emails; visit charity websites directly.
- Fake Website Scam
Cybercriminals replicate legitimate websites to steal funds through fake purchase systems.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid clicking on email links—search for brands directly.
- Look for secure connections (padlock symbol in browser).
- Beware of web addresses with unusual characters or numbers.
- Fake Seasonal Job Scam
Scammers use fake job ads to lure victims into providing personal information or upfront fees.
How to Stay Safe:
- Research the company and compare salaries with similar roles.
- Avoid poorly written job ads or unsolicited offers.
- Cost of Living Scam
Fake messages claiming to offer government relief payments prey on financial anxieties.
How to Stay Safe:
- Don’t click on links in texts or emails; forward scams to 7726.
- Verify information directly with government websites.
- Remember, official agencies won’t ask for personal details.
- Supermarket Voucher Scam
Phishing emails offering fake supermarket discounts aim to steal personal information.
How to Stay Safe:
- Check sender addresses for errors or unusual formatting.
- Verify offers directly on the supermarket’s website.
For more details, watch our YouTube playlist featuring short, informative videos on each scam. Stay vigilant and enjoy a scam-free holiday season!
Further information
- See the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Christmas guidance.
- Report a scam to Action Fraud.
- Reduce the risk of a cyber-attack in your service by completing your Data Security & Protection Toolkit. Access free support to help you complete.