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Stay Safe This Holiday Season: How to Avoid Common Scams
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The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit people using increasingly sophisticated tactics – including AI-powered scams. Falling victim to fraud can have serious financial and emotional consequences, so staying alert is more important than ever.
Scam Alerts: What to Watch for This Christmas
EE estimates that 10 million scam texts will be blocked this December alone, surpassing the 9 million intercepted in 2023. But scam texts aren’t the only risk – fraudsters are using various methods to trick unsuspecting victims.
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 found on their website or bank statements.
3. Utility Bill & 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 its legitimacy.
Other Holiday Scams to Watch For
- Bogus Giveaways – Scammers create fake contests or charity fundraisers to steal personal details.
- Parking Fine Scams – Fake penalty charge notices are sent via text or email, demanding immediate payment.
- Energy-Saving Device Scams – Fraudulent products claiming to lower your energy bills are promoted online.
Stay Vigilant & Protect Your Finances
- Verify any suspicious messages directly with the company.
- Never click on untrusted links or share sensitive information over phone calls or emails.
- Report scams to Action Fraud to help protect others from falling victim.
While we can’t assist directly, staying informed is your best defense. This festive season, protect your finances and stay one step ahead of scammers.