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Festive Scams: Stay Alert and Protect Yourself
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The festive season brings joy, but unfortunately, it also attracts scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics – including AI – to deceive people. Falling victim to a scam can have devastating financial and emotional consequences, so staying vigilant is essential.
EE expects to block 10 million scam texts this December, surpassing the 9 million intercepted in 2023. But it’s not just texts to be wary of…
• Parcel Scams: Have you ever received an email about a parcel you didn’t order? With the Christmas surge in online shopping, these scams have become more convincing. Always verify shipment details directly with the courier or the retailer, and don’t click on suspicious links.
• Bank Impersonation Calls: If someone claiming to be your bank calls about suspicious activity or a blocked charge, don’t share account details. Hang up and contact your bank using their official number to confirm if the call was legitimate.
• Utility Provider Scams: Calls claiming your gas account is in credit or overdue? These are common tactics to obtain personal information. Verify directly with your provider using their official contact details.
• Fake Refunds for Cancellations: Fraudsters target flight or hotel cancellations with fake refund offers via emails, calls, or social media. Avoid sharing payment details and always contact the airline or booking company directly.
Other scams to watch for:
• Bogus Giveaways
• Parking Fine Scams
• Fake Refunds
• Energy-Saving Device Scams
Stay vigilant this festive season: verify suspicious messages, avoid untrusted links, and reach out to companies directly if you’re unsure. Protect your finances by staying informed about common scams. While we can’t assist directly, we encourage you to report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud and always double-check financial advice – knowledge is your best defence!