Common Scams of Christmas

1. Smishing: scam delivery texts/emails saying a parcel has been delayed and requiring a link-click to track its status.

Are you expecting a parcel to be delivered to your address? As we know, the number of deliveries increase in November and December time due to the festive period and it can sometimes become difficult for you to keep track of when everything is arriving. Scammers take advantage of this fact and pose as known delivery companies.

Top Tips:

• The first question to ask yourself is ‘are you expecting a parcel’? If the answer is no, then you should disregard the communication immediately
• If you were not expecting to receive the text or email, never click on the link
• Always double check with the company you ordered the parcel from directly, as they will often be able to investigate further for you
• Delivery companies should not be asking you for personal information, if they do, treat with caution.

2. Pressure scams: time pressure scams, often accompanied by a countdown, are a common tactic scammers use to force shoppers into hasty, ill-considered decisions.

It can be hard to tell the real from the fake as scammers can make websites and use photographs of real items to make them seem more legitimate. Stay vigilant for counterfeit goods. These can be from badly made clothes to dangerous electronics which fail to comply with safety laws. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A bargain is only a bargain if its genuine.

Top Tips:

• Be wary of offers which look too good to be true
• Read the customer advice – make sure you know your rights to refunds etc.
• Be suspicious of requests to do bank transfers
• Think – why are the goods so cheap?

3. Refund scams: 

Christmas is a peak season for refunds and whether you’re looking to return a jumper that’s too small or a book you received two copies of, be wary of companies reaching out directly to offer you your money back.

You may receive an email or text pretending to be from the Council, HMRC or a well-known store promising a credit or tax refund and a link to click to claim the money back. Often the link included with the email or text will take you through to a phishing website designed to steal your personal information or banking details. Don’t provide your details.

If you believe the offer of a refund is valid, the best approach to take is to reach out to the company separately and directly through an official email address or phone number.

Top Tips:

• Think - were you expecting the call? Verify the organisation and call them back using a number they have on their website or from previous correspondence
• Think before you click - always act carefully when you receive an unsolicited link
• Whilst emails may appear legitimate, sometimes they are fictitious. Hover over the email address to ensure the senders details are as you would expect them to be
• A company would not ask you to pay a fee in order to receive your refund.

EVERY LITTLE HELPS!