With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will be flocking online for our festive shopping. But amidst the convenience and cheer, scammers lurk, waiting to prey on unsuspecting consumers.
WHICH? is here to help you navigate the digital minefield and avoid falling victim to holiday scams. Here's the latest on some of the cons doing the rounds:
Beware the Phishing Frenzy:
- Fake TikTok Job Offer: Watch out for text messages claiming to offer a "part-time online job" from TikTok. These are likely to be task scams, where you're lured in with promises of easy money but end up pressured to "upgrade" your account by investing your own cash. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
- "Free" Starbucks Coffee Scam: Emails promising a free coffee bundle from Starbucks are a phishing trap. Clicking their link will take you to a malicious website designed to steal your personal and financial information.
- Nationwide Text Scam: A text impersonating Nationwide claiming a declined transaction is another phishing attempt. Don't call the provided number, it's likely linked to other scams.
Report These Scams:
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (free for most UK networks).
- Report phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report phishing websites to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website
Fake Dyson Vacuum Giveaway:
Social media ads offering a free Dyson V15 vacuum cleaner in exchange for a survey are a complete hoax. Don't be fooled! Clicking the link will take you to a website designed to steal your personal and payment details.
Report these scam ads through the social media platform itself. Most platforms have a reporting option within the ad itself (usually three dots on the top right corner).
Heating Subsidy Scam:
Texts claiming a "heating subsidy" due to cancelled winter heating are a cunning attempt to steal your information. Clicking the link will lead to a fake website designed to capture your personal details.
Stay Alert This Christmas:
- Shop from reputable retailers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to familiar brands and established websites.
- Beware of spelling mistakes and generic images: These are often red flags on a poorly made fake website.
- Check for clear contact details and a returns policy: A legitimate retailer will have these readily available.
By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, we can all have a safe and scam-free Christmas!
For more festive shopping tips and consumer advice, visit the WHICH? website.
