Monday, 9 December 2024

Don't Get Grinched This Christmas: 12 Frauds to Watch Out For!

Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but also with a healthy dose of caution! Christmas is a time for joy, family, and... fraudsters? Unfortunately, criminals don't take a holiday. Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, wants to make sure you have a #FraudFreeXmas.

This year, they're highlighting the "12 Frauds of Christmas," a dastardly dozen of scams designed to steal your festive cheer (and your hard-earned cash). So, before you get swept up in the holiday hustle, be sure to stay vigilant!

Why You Need to Be Extra Cautious:

  • New figures show these 12 scams cost victims a whopping £224 million during the 2023 festive season!
  • Nearly 3 million phishing emails were reported between November 2023 and January 2024. Yikes!

The Grinch's Grimoire: The 12 Frauds of Christmas

  1. Phishing: Don't click on suspicious emails or links, even if they seem to come from Santa or a delivery company.
  2. Pet Fraud: Looking for a furry friend? Beware of online scams with adorable (but fake) pups.
  3. Online Shopping Fraud: Double-check websites before purchasing. Unbelievable deals are often too good to be true.
  4. Social Media & Email Hacking: Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable two-step verification.
  5. Courier Fraud: Don't fall for calls about unpaid fees or undelivered packages.
  6. Romance Fraud: Be wary of online love connections that move fast and involve money.
  7. Gift Card Fraud: Only buy gift cards from reputable retailers, never from online strangers.
  8. Charity Fraud: Research charities before donating. Don't give in to pressure tactics.
  9. Investment Fraud: If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  10. QR Code Fraud: Don't scan random QR codes. They could lead to malicious websites.
  11. Holiday Fraud: Always book holidays through reputable companies. Beware of unrealistically cheap deals.
  12. Ticket Fraud: Only buy event tickets from authorised sellers.

How to Stay Scrooge-Proof This Christmas:

  • Protect Your Accounts: Strong, unique passwords and 2-step verification are your best friends.
  • Do Your Research: Before making any big purchases, donations, or investments, verify the company's legitimacy.
  • Be Cautious with Money: Avoid bank transfers and pressure tactics. Use a credit card when shopping online for added protection.
  • Beware of Unsolicited Contact: Don't be fooled by "amazing" offers. Verify everything before buying or sharing information.

Report It!

  • Phishing Emails: Forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk
  • Suspicious Texts: Report them to 7726 (free)
  • Lost Money or Information: Contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and secure Christmas filled with joy, not scams. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping the Grinch at bay!

Source: Action Fraud (09-12-2024)

Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas


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