Scams update

Scams are a year-round threat, but they often spike during certain seasons or holidays, like Christmas, when scammers exploit heightened online shopping, gift-giving, and charitable activities. Around this time, particular scams become more prevalent and cunning. Here are some key examples to watch out for:

Delivery Company Scams

Fraudsters frequently pose as reputable delivery companies, such as UPS, Amazon, DHL, Evri, and Royal Mail, to trick unsuspecting recipients. These scams often come in the form of:

• Phishing Emails or Texts: Messages claiming a delivery is delayed or requires an additional fee. They include fake links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
• Fake Delivery Notifications: These might ask for payment of customs fees or to rearrange delivery. Legitimate companies usually never request sensitive information via unsolicited emails or texts.

Social Media Advert Scams

During the festive season, scammers also exploit the power of social media:

• Fake Medical Studies and Trials: Ads promoting too-good-to-be-true payouts for participating in trials often lead to phishing sites. These sites may steal sensitive data or require upfront payments for participation.
• Discounts and Flash Sales: Fraudulent ads for expensive gadgets, designer brands, or hard-to-find holiday gifts may redirect buyers to fake e-commerce sites. These sites often deliver counterfeit products or nothing at all.
• Charity Scams: Fraudsters prey on goodwill by impersonating legitimate charities or creating fake ones, soliciting donations through social media or emails.

Gift Card and Payment Scams

Be cautious if you receive requests for gift cards as payment, often framed as an urgent request from someone you know. Scammers frequently hack email or social media accounts and impersonate friends or colleagues to make these demands.

Fake Job Offers

Scammers may post fake seasonal job opportunities, especially in retail or delivery services, to collect personal data or request payment for job applications.

Protecting Yourself

1. Verify Communication: Contact companies directly through official channels if you receive a suspicious message.
2. Avoid Clicking on Links: Never click on unsolicited links or attachments in emails or texts.
3. Research Advertisers: Before purchasing through a social media ad, check the company’s reviews and ensure their website is legitimate.
4. Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting without thinking.
5. Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

Staying vigilant and informed can help you avoid falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.