Fake travel offers and accommodation scams
Scammers create fake adverts for popular tourist destinations, offering deep discounts to lure unsuspecting travellers. These ads often require immediate payment or unusual methods such as bank transfers or gift cards. If you book online, stick to reputable sites, read reviews and avoid any requests for unusual payment methods.
Online shopping scams
With Christmas sales everywhere, fake online stores and misleading ads are common. These scams often involve websites or social media accounts posing as brands known to offer “exclusive deals.” Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust trusted retailers, watch out for unsolicited links, and use secure payment methods like credit cards for added protection.
Parcel delivery scams
As more and more packages are in transit, scammers are sending fake notifications claiming there is a problem with the delivery. The messages ask you to click on a link to resolve the issue, such as paying a small fee or providing your personal information, but these links often lead to malware or phishing sites. If you receive a suspicious message regarding a missed delivery, verify it by contacting the courier directly. Avoid clicking on links and remember to never reveal your sensitive information such as card numbers, passwords or pins.
Charity scams
During the holiday season, scammers take advantage of people’s goodwill by posing as legitimate charities or creating fake ones. Be cautious if a charity request seems pressured or comes through unsolicited calls or texts. To confirm the legitimacy of a charity, research it directly and avoid clicking links in messages.
