Christmas shoppers told not to ignore scam red flags

People who are looking for bargains this Christmas have been urged to watch out for potential scams.

Fraudsters will use many different methods to steal money from unsuspecting people, such as:

• offering tempting deals
• imitating trusted brands
• creating a sense of urgency so you pay quickly

But there might often be red flags that suggest these deals aren’t what they seem, such as:

• poor spelling and grammar on the website
• no customer reviews or ratings
• no secure payment options

So it’s worrying to see in new research from Mastercard that almost half of Christmas shoppers (46%) would ignore these warning signs in the hope of bagging a bargain.

And a similar number (49%) would overlook red flags if they wanted something to arrive before they go on holiday.

How to stay safe from scammers

Scammers are very good at pretending to be trustworthy and legitimate - and many will be keen to take advantage of Christmas shoppers eager to get great deals.

So it’s more important than ever to recognise the warning signs and take steps to protect yourself.

Do your research

Always check a seller’s ratings, feedback and history before making paying any money.

Don’t click on links in messages 

Links from fraudsters may contain malware or take you to fake websites, so only pay through a retailer’s official website.

Be suspicious of social media ads

Scammers often use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to target people with tempting ads or posts that lead to fake websites.

Double-check the web address

Bogus websites might have small clues that they aren’t genuine, such as unusual domains and small spelling errors.

Avoid bank transfers

Use secure payment methods, such as credit or debit cards, or trusted digital wallets, so you have protection if something goes wrong.

Don’t act impulsively

Scammers try to push you into making a quick decision, so don’t rush into anything.

And don’t forget the adage that if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Check out our guide on how to outsmart online scammers for more tips to help you stay safe.

Reporting a scam

If you’ve been scammed, you can report it to Citizens Advice and they’ll pass information onto Trading Standards, who’ll decide whether or not to investigate.

It’s also worth reporting it to Action Fraud on their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you spot an online scam advert, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority.