CHRISTMAS SCAM ALERT – DON'T LET FRAUDSTERS RUIN YOUR CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS SCAM ALERT – DON'T LET FRAUDSTERS RUIN YOUR CHRISTMAS!

🎄 CHRISTMAS SCAM ALERT – DON'T LET FRAUDSTERS RUIN YOUR CHRISTMAS!

As we approach Christmas, we would like to remind residents to remain vigilant against scams and fraud.

Unfortunately, the run-up to Christmas is a particularly busy time for fraudsters, who often take advantage of people being distracted by Christmas shopping, financial pressures, parcel deliveries and the excitement of the festive season.

Scammers are becoming increasingly convincing, using telephone calls, text messages, emails, social media and even doorstep visits to trick people into handing over money, personal information or banking details.

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with some of the common scams circulating at this time of year.

🚨 SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR

1. HMRC TAX SCAMS Fraudsters may contact you pretending to be from HMRC, claiming that you owe unpaid tax, are entitled to a refund or are facing legal action or arrest if you do not pay immediately.

They may demand payment using bank transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Remember: HMRC will never threaten you with immediate arrest or demand payment in gift cards.

2. TV LICENSING SCAMS You may receive emails or text messages claiming your TV Licence payment has failed, your licence is about to expire or you are entitled to a refund.

These messages often contain links to fake websites designed to steal your bank details and personal information.

Remember: Never click on links in unexpected messages. Check your licence directly through the official TV Licensing website.

3. DWP AND COST OF LIVING SCAMS Fraudsters may pretend to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offering additional benefits, winter payments, cost-of-living support or pension increases.

They may ask you to confirm personal details, bank information or National Insurance numbers to supposedly release a payment.

Remember: Be suspicious of unexpected offers of financial assistance, particularly those requiring you to click a link or provide banking information.

4. ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS Fake websites and social media advertisements may offer heavily discounted Christmas presents, electrical goods, toys, designer clothing and other popular items.

You may pay for an item that never arrives, or receive something completely different from what you ordered.

Remember: Buy from reputable retailers, check website addresses carefully and be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.

5. COURIER AND PARCEL DELIVERY SCAMS You may receive a text or email claiming that a parcel could not be delivered, requires a small redelivery fee or is being held due to unpaid postage or customs charges.

Fraudsters use these messages to direct you to fake websites where they steal your payment details.

Remember: Check delivery information directly with the courier using its official website. Do not follow unexpected payment links.

6. COURIER FRAUD – BANK AND POLICE IMPERSONATION This is a particularly concerning scam, often targeting elderly and vulnerable residents.

Fraudsters telephone victims pretending to be police officers, bank staff or fraud investigators. They may claim that their bank account has been compromised or that someone has been using their bank card.

Victims may be instructed to withdraw cash, purchase expensive items or hand over bank cards, PIN numbers or cash to a courier supposedly acting on behalf of the police or their bank.

Remember: The police and your bank will NEVER ask you to withdraw money, hand over your bank cards or disclose your PIN. End the call and contact your bank using the number on the back of your card or the number on its official website.

7. ROMANCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites and social media, building trust and emotional relationships before asking for money.

They may claim to need help with an emergency, medical bills, travel expenses or unexpected financial difficulties.

Remember: Never send money to someone you have only met online, regardless of how convincing their story may sound.

8. INVESTMENT AND CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS You may be contacted with promises of guaranteed returns, quick profits or exclusive investment opportunities.

Fraudsters often use fake websites, convincing testimonials and professional-looking social media profiles to make their offers appear legitimate.

Remember: There is no such thing as a guaranteed investment return. Always research investment opportunities independently and check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) register.

9. GIFT CARD AND VOUCHER SCAMS Scammers may pretend to be a family member, friend or employer and ask you to purchase gift cards or vouchers, sending them the codes as an urgent favour.

This is particularly common around Christmas.

Remember: Always verify requests for money or vouchers directly with the person using a known telephone number.

10. CHARITY AND CHRISTMAS DONATION SCAMS Fraudsters may pose as genuine charities, collecting donations for vulnerable families, children, animal charities or people in need over Christmas.

They may approach you at your door, contact you online or send messages requesting donations.

Remember: Before donating, check that the charity is genuine. In England and Wales, you can check registered charities through the Charity Commission website.

11. BANK HOLIDAY AND PAYMENT SCAMS Fraudsters may send messages claiming there is an issue with your bank account, a suspicious transaction or a payment that needs authorising.

They may encourage you to act immediately, claiming your money is at risk.

Remember: Never share one-time passcodes, banking passwords or PINs. Your bank will never ask you to transfer money into a so-called safe account.

12. DOORSTEP SCAMS Be cautious of unexpected callers offering to carry out gardening, roofing, driveway, building or maintenance work.

Some may offer work at an unusually cheap price before demanding additional money, while others may carry out unnecessary or poor-quality work.

Remember: Do not feel pressured into agreeing to work on the spot. Obtain written quotations, check references and use reputable tradespeople.

🛡️ HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS

A few simple precautions can help keep you, your family and your money safe:

STOP AND THINK: If a message, phone call or offer feels suspicious, take a moment before responding.

DON'T CLICK: Avoid clicking links in unexpected texts or emails.

VERIFY: Contact organisations using official telephone numbers or websites rather than details provided in suspicious messages.

PROTECT YOUR DETAILS: Never share your PIN, passwords, banking details or one-time security codes.

USE SECURE PAYMENTS: Where possible, pay by credit or debit card rather than bank transfer when shopping online.

CHECK WEBSITE ADDRESSES: Look carefully for spelling mistakes, unusual website addresses and suspicious payment pages.

BE WARY OF URGENCY: Scammers often create panic by claiming something must be done immediately.

TALK TO FAMILY: Share this information with elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone who may be more vulnerable to fraud.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS: If something doesn't feel right, stop and check before proceeding.

📞 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED?

If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim to a scam:

Contact your bank immediately if you have shared financial information or made a payment.

You can also report this to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you are in immediate danger or a crime is happening right now, call 999.

For non-emergency police assistance, contact 101.                

PLEASE SHARE THIS ALERT

We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas without falling victim to fraud.

Fraudsters do not take Christmas off, so please remain alert, look out for one another and share this information with friends, family and neighbours.

Remember: If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stop, think and check before you hand over your money or personal details.

Stay Safe