Christmas Shopping Scams: Avoid Ruthless Tricks Now!

Did you know that Christmas shopping scams cost UK shoppers over £10 million in 2023? You see, as Christmas approaches, the excitement of holiday shopping fills the air scammers also get giddy, targeting shoppers eager to grab last-minute deals or hard-to-find gifts. From fake websites to phishing scams, these traps can turn holiday cheer into stress and financial loss. But don’t worry—with a little knowledge and vigilance, you can stay safe from Christmas shopping scams.

This guide covers the latest scams, how to recognise them, and practical steps to protect yourself. Let’s ensure your Christmas shopping remains merry, bright, and scam-free.

Common Christmas scams in 2024

A 2023 survey by Norton highlighted that nearly half of the UK was concerned about falling victim to Black Friday & Cyber Monday scams, as well as Christmas scams. The problem is that scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, especially during the busy holiday season. So, to help you out this year, here are the most common Christmas scams to watch out for in 2024:

Fake online stores

Fraudulent websites often mimic popular retailers, offering massive discounts on in-demand items. URLs like “amaz0n.co.uk” or “next-clearancesale.com” may look legitimate but lead to websites designed to steal your money or personal information.

Phishing emails & texts

“Delivery failed” emails or texts asking you to verify an order may contain links to phishing websites. These are designed to capture your login or payment details.

Social media scams

Platforms like TikTok and Facebook host fake ads offering “unmissable” Christmas deals. After payment, victims often receive nothing or counterfeit goods. Facebook marketplace is also rife with scammers. According to Norton’s 2023 research, criminals’ primary target was social media users, claiming 39% of all victims.

Gift card fraud

Scammers may ask you to pay for purchases using gift cards or offer suspiciously discounted cards. Legitimate sellers never request payment this way.

Warning signs of online shopping scams

Scams can be hard to spot at first glance, especially as you’re quickly snapping up that deal. But these red flags are common giveaways:

• Suspiciously low prices: Deals that seem “too good to be true” often are. Scammers use huge discounts to lure shoppers.
• Odd website addresses: Look for the padlock, and the “https://” in the URL plus double-check the spelling of the domain. Scam sites often mimic legitimate ones.
• Poor website quality: Fake sites frequently have low-quality images, typos, or broken links. Missing or vague contact details are another warning sign.

How to spot holiday scams

Holiday scams often exploit the festive spirit to trick people. Here’s how to avoid them:

Fake charity requests

Scammers pose as charities asking for donations. Always verify charities using the Charity Commission UK before donating.

Shipping notification scams

“Failed delivery” messages with tracking links are a common ploy. Only track parcels directly on carrier websites to avoid phishing scams.

Secret Santa or gift exchange schemes

These seemingly fun social media posts asking you to join a gift exchange are often pyramid schemes or attempts to collect your personal data.

Safe online shopping checklist

Avoid falling victim to Christmas shopping scams by following this checklist:

1. Research unfamiliar retailers: Search for the retailer’s name plus “scam” or “fraud” online.
2. Check payment security: Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” and shows a padlock icon.
3. Use secure payment methods: Credit cards and PayPal offer better fraud protection than bank transfers.
4. Beware of suspiciously low prices: If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Avoid public Wi-Fi for shopping: Use a secure home network or a VPN to protect your data.

Real-life Christmas scam example: Fake electronics website scams

Earlier this year, a fraudulent retailer called “ElectroGiftsOnline.co.uk” scammed hundreds of UK shoppers. The website promised steep discounts on popular gadgets, collecting payments but never delivering products. Many victims realised too late that reviews flagged the site as fraudulent.

Tip: Always check websites like Trustpilot for external reviews before purchasing.

How to report online shopping scams

Reporting scams helps protect others and might even help you recover your money. Here’s how to act in the UK:

• Action Fraud UK: File a report online or call 0300 123 2040.
• Your bank: Notify your bank immediately for assistance and fraud protection.
• Trading Standards: Contact your local council’s Trading Standards team for further advice.

For full guidance, visit How to Report a Scam.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, don’t panic. Take these steps immediately:

1. Contact your bank: Report the transaction to your bank or credit card provider. Many banks offer fraud protection.
2. Change your passwords: If you’ve shared login details, update your passwords across all accounts.
3. Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your statements for any unauthorised transactions.
4. Report the scam: Share details with Action Fraud UK to help shut down fraudulent operations.

FAQs

Phonely: Keeping you safe beyond Christmas

At Phonely, we go beyond Christmas shopping scams advice to keep you protected in all areas. Our CallGuard feature shields you from telephone scams by identifying suspicious calls and blocking fraudsters from every angle.

Additionally, we stay ahead of emerging scams, keeping you informed about the latest threats. Visit our blog regularly for updates, tips, and tools to protect yourself and your loved ones—not just at Christmas but all year round.

Conclusion

With a bit of caution and awareness, you can enjoy the excitement of holiday shopping without falling victim to scams. Stay vigilant, use secure payment methods, and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. By taking these steps, you’ll keep your Christmas merry, bright, and scam-free.

From all of us at Phonely—happy shopping and happy holidays!