JAMES WALKER IS A SCAMS EXPERT AND CEO OF RIGHTLY
The 12 frauds of Christmas
It’s Christmas all year for scammers, but in the holiday season they ramp it up at a time when people are all too easily parted from their money. This week, we look at 12 scams to watch out for.
1 ONLINE SHOPPING
Scammers present fake websites claiming to sell a ‘must-have’ gift and customers can’t believe their luck. They pay for the gift but it never arrives.
2 CHRISTMAS DELIVERY
You’re asked to pay a fee and provide personal information so a parcel can be delivered. Scammers use the information to contact you to try and access your bank account.
3 E-GREETINGS
If it’s a fake, e-greetings can contain malware designed to steal your personal information, including account details.
4 SUPERMARKET DISCOUNTS
Beware emails offering discounts and vouchers with the big supermarkets to help on Christmas costs. The vouchers are fake and the scammers are using them as bait to capture more personal data.
5 GIFT CARDS
Scammers put up authentic-looking gift cards online that turn out to be worthless. Always go to an official website for gift cards.
6 JOB OFFERS A fake job ad offers a great-paying gig as a personal shopper or package-delivery person. When applying, you’ll provide personal information that the scammer will use.
7 REFUNDS
You’ll get a message suggesting
