Avoiding scams this festive season: Shop smart and stay safe

Festive shopping season is approaching – here are our top tips to avoid scams and help you shop safely

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and shopping. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of the season’s spending spree. With deals flooding your inbox and social media, it’s essential to stay vigilant. Here are three critical tips to help you avoid scams while shopping this festive season.

1. Does it seem too good to be true?

One of the most common scams during the festive season is the “too-good-to-be-true” deal. Scammers lure in unsuspecting shoppers with offers that are simply unbelievable. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Tully’s* story: The ‘Free iPhone’ trap

Tully received a message on social media claiming she had won a free iPhone in a holiday giveaway. All she needed to do was pay a small shipping fee. Excited by the prospect of a new phone, Tully clicked on the link and entered her credit card details. Unfortunately, this was a phishing scam. Not only did she not receive the iPhone, but her credit card was also charged multiple times for fraudulent purchases. To avoid falling into this trap, always be sceptical of offers that sound overly generous, especially if they require payment upfront.

2. Check you’re buying from a trustworthy retailer

The holiday season sees a surge in pop-up online stores and fake websites that mimic reputable retailers. Before making any purchase, ensure the retailer is trustworthy.

Mo’s* story: The fake fashion boutique

Mo was looking for a specific designer jacket for his wife and found it for 70% off on a website he hadn’t heard of before. The site looked legitimate, complete with customer reviews and a secure payment gateway. However, after making the purchase, Mo noticed several small, unauthorised transactions on his credit card. When he tried to contact customer service, there was no response. A quick online search revealed numerous complaints about the site. To avoid Mo’s fate, research unfamiliar retailers before buying. Look for reviews on independent sites, verify their contact information, and check for secure payment methods (indicated by “https” in the URL).

3. Be cautious when a seller asks you to pay by an unusual means

Reputable retailers use standard payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, while unusual ones like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are red flags. Always use fraud-protective options like credit cards or PayPal and avoid pressured transactions.

Kylie’s* story: Paying using cryptocurrency

Kylie was searching for a rare collectible toy for her son’s holiday gift. She found it on a small online marketplace that claimed to have the item in stock at a great price. However, the seller insisted that Kylie pay using cryptocurrency, arguing that it was safer and faster. Feeling pressured and wanting to secure the gift, Kylie complied and sent the payment. After the transaction, the seller disappeared, and Kylie never received the toy. Worse, because she used cryptocurrency, she had no way to get her money back.

By staying alert and cautious, you can enjoy your holiday shopping without falling prey to scams. Happy shopping!

You can find more information about shopping safely this festive season at our national website

*Not their real names to protect confidentiality