Stay Safe This Holiday Season: How to Avoid Common Scams

Last updated: 19 October 2026

To avoid scams at Christmas, stop and check before you click, pay or share details. Buy from shops you have checked, pay by card rather than bank transfer, and never use the links or phone numbers in an unexpected message. If a call claims to be from your bank, hang up and call 159. Report scams to Report Fraud.

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit people using increasingly convincing tactics. Falling victim to fraud can have serious financial and emotional consequences, so staying alert is more important than ever.

How common are Christmas shopping scams?

Some £11.8 million was lost to online shopping fraud over the 2024 festive shopping season, from 1 November 2024 to 31 January 2025, according to City of London Police data published by the National Cyber Security Centre. The NCSC also warns that scammers often claim offers are only available for a limited time, or that products are scarce, to push people into acting quickly.

What scams should I watch for this Christmas?

Scam texts aren’t the only risk: fraudsters use various methods to trick people.

1. Parcel delivery scams

Have you received an email or text about a package you didn’t order? With the rise in Christmas online shopping, scammers send fake tracking updates or delivery fee requests to steal your personal and payment information.

How to stay safe: always verify shipment details directly through the retailer or courier’s official website. Never click on suspicious links.

2. Bank impersonation calls

Scammers may call pretending to be from your bank, claiming there’s suspicious activity on your account or a blocked transaction that needs verification. Their goal? To trick you into revealing personal and financial details.

How to stay safe: hang up and contact your bank directly using the official customer service number on their website or your bank statements, or call 159. This short number connects customers of more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts directly with their bank, and it cannot be spoofed.

3. Utility bill and energy scams

Fraudsters may pose as gas, electricity or water providers, claiming your account is overdue or in credit to extract sensitive information.

How to stay safe: contact your utility provider using official contact details, not the number provided in a suspicious email or call.

4. Fake refund scams for travel cancellations

Scammers target those affected by flight, hotel or event cancellations, offering fake refunds via emails, calls or social media messages to steal payment details.

How to stay safe: if you’re due a refund, always contact the airline, hotel or booking company directly to confirm it is genuine.

Other holiday scams to watch for

• Fake shops and too-good-to-be-true deals: websites and social media adverts selling popular gifts at very low prices.
• Bogus giveaways: fake contests or charity fundraisers set up to steal personal details.
• Parking fine scams: fake penalty charge notices sent by text or email, demanding immediate payment.
• Energy-saving device scams: products claiming to lower your energy bills, promoted online.

How can I shop safely online at Christmas?

The government’s Stop! Think Fraud campaign and the National Cyber Security Centre recommend these steps:

1. Check the shop is legitimate. Read reviews on trusted websites before you buy.
2. Secure your important accounts. Turn on 2-step verification for your email, banking and shopping accounts.
3. Pay securely. Check out as a guest if you can, and don’t let the website store your card details. Never pay by direct bank transfer, and use a credit card if you have one.
4. Be wary of delivery messages. Don’t click links in unexpected messages. Contact the company directly to check.
5. Take a moment. If you feel rushed by a countdown or a “last one in stock” message, stop and think before you pay.

How do I report a scam in the UK?

Reporting helps protect others from falling victim. Citizens Advice recommends:

• Report Fraud: report all types of scams to Report Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, which replaced Action Fraud. You can report online or call 0300 123 2040. You’ll get a crime reference number, which can help if you need to tell your bank.
• Scam texts: forward the message to 7726. It goes to your phone provider, who can investigate and might block the sender.
• Scam emails: forward the email to [email protected]. It goes to the National Cyber Security Centre.
• Citizens Advice: you can also report a scam to Citizens Advice using their online form or consumer helpline.

What should I do if I’ve been scammed?

Act quickly:

1. Call your bank straight away, using 159 or the number on your card, and tell them what happened.
2. Report it to Report Fraud and keep your crime reference number.
3. Change your passwords for any account you think may be affected, starting with your email.
4. Get free support. Citizens Advice can help you work out your next steps, and if a scam has left you struggling with bills or debt, StepChange (0800 138 1111, freephone) and MoneyHelper offer free, confidential help.

It is never your fault if you are targeted. Scammers are skilled at making messages look genuine.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Christmas scams?

Fake parcel delivery messages, bank impersonation calls, fake online shops and too-good-to-be-true deals, fake refunds and bogus giveaways.

What is 159?

A short phone number that connects you directly with your bank if you get an unexpected call about a financial matter. It works for customers of more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts.

Where do I report a scam text?

Forward it to 7726. It goes to your phone provider.

Has Action Fraud changed?

Yes. Fraud and cyber crime are now reported to Report Fraud, online or on 0300 123 2040.

Stay vigilant and protect your finances

1. Verify any suspicious messages directly with the company.
2. Never click on untrusted links or share sensitive information over phone calls or emails.
3. Report scams to Report Fraud to help protect others from falling victim.

While we can’t assist directly, staying informed is your best defence. This festive season, protect your finances and stay one step ahead of scammers. For help planning your festive spending, read our Christmas budgeting tips.

Written by Terry Vincent, Senior Marketing Lead at Lifetime

This article is general information, not personal financial advice. Lifetime is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 225795).