NI public warned about the ‘12 scams of Christmas’ amid last-minute shopping spree

The alert came from Trading Standards Services which has issued its 12 Scams of Christmas guide to the most common tricks.

People have been reminded to stay vigilant of fraudsters seeking personal information through unsolicited calls, messages and scam websites.

Experts advise avoiding using links sent by unknown recipients as well as double checking websites for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.

The most common scams include:

The ‘Twelve Scams of Christmas’

Delivery scams

Delivery scams are a common form of fraud during the festive season.

Criminals regularly pose as well-known delivery companies and will often issue emails alleging they have not been able to deliver goods before ask for a fee to rearrange delivery.

Social media adverts

Other fraudsters might send out social media ads and emails deals. In reality, these offers are fake and just an attempt to elicit personal or financial information.

Romance scams

Lonely and vulnerable people are often most at risk of being exposed to romance scams, when scammers will feign interest or love for a victim before asking for financial support.

Weight loss scams

With the New Year approaching it is very often the time for resolutions involving diets and exercise. Those seeking to lose weight or get fit may be extorted through over-priced slimming tablet offers, initially believing they were simply paying shipping for a free sample. However, many later find out that they have been signed up to an expensive monthly supply of the product.

Loan and finance scams

Some scammers take advantage of consumers by offering loan offers at “unbeatable rates” which ask for an advanced fee.

Legitimate lenders will never ask for this and TSS advise reading terms and conditions thoroughly, as well as doing background research on the company offering the loan.

Counterfeit goods

Fake goods of all kinds can be found across online marketplaces and are often poorly made and dangerous. Fraud sites will often mimic legit ones. People are advised only to buy items that are genuine and from reputable sellers.

Phone scams

Anyone can be subject to phone scams where callers impersonate companies and charities in an attempt to draw personal or financial information. Scammers may cold call you pretending to be representatives of those companies.

Ticket scams

Ticket fraud involves the sale of fraudulent tickets for events that are already sold out. It is advised to only purchase them from secure websites and not to rebuy tickets from any individual seller.

News Catch up – Thursday 19 December

Pet scams

Fraudsters will often take advantage of adding pets to the family – a common thing during Christmas. Often sellers will be pushed to purchase fast before the animal goes to another home, also insisting people pay up front and including fake online adverts.

E-card scams

The sale of fake e-cards and other online greeting cards is an emerging scam format during the festive period. The TSS warn that these can infect your computer and steal financial and personal information.

Fake shopping sites

Fraudsters will often attempt to imitate existing websites which are fake, luring in shoppers with deals that are too good to be true and goods which will likely never be delivered.

Holiday scams

Wirth many people booking holidays in the new year, consumers should be cautious of fake accommodation and flight offers. Some scammers will also use fake competitions which take a fee for an apparent holiday that can be won which then never materialises.

TSS chief inspector Damien Doherty warned consumers that fraudsters don’t stop for Christmas and will work harder to target people during the holiday season.

He said: “Scammers are always quick to exploit people’s vulnerabilities, and this is particularly true in the lead up to Christmas when every penny counts.

“What might look like a bargain could end up costing you dearly, with fraudsters looking to steal payment details, counterfeiters selling unsafe goods that could harm you or your family, and scammers promising to sell you things that never arrive.”