In the second instalment of a two-part feature, Rachel Carr, Fraud and Cyber Crime Prevention Officer with Cambridgeshire Constabulary, shares more ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from festive fraud.
According to Trading Standards, almost £100m is forecast to be stolen from thousands of victims this Christmas, so it’s important that shoppers be on their guard over the festive period. Here are the next six of 12 frauds that are common this holiday season – and how you can avoid falling prey to them.
- The crime: Money transfer fraud
Fraudsters take full advantage of the chaos and rush around Christmas time. It’s easy to be so set on buying all your presents that you might not think twice when asked to pay for something via bank transfer, rather than inputting your card details. However tempted you may be because something is the last one in stock, never transfer money directly into a seller’s bank account. There are plenty of genuine sellers out there, but be aware fraudsters are also looking to cash-in by persuading people to transfer money for products and services that don’t exist.
The prevention:
- Never send a money transfer for online purchases
- Never provide your banking information to people or businesses you don’t know
- The Crime: Christmas e-card scams
With more and more people looking to cut costs and save the environment, Christmas e-cards (cards you can send digitally via email) are becoming ever more popular. While most are genuine, be aware that cyber criminals are creating their own festive e-card, which, once opened, can install malware on your device enabling the scammers to collect your personal, sensitive data.
The prevention:
- If you receive an e-card from an unknown email address or someone you don’t know, play it safe and delete it
- If you believe your electronic device has been infected, report any money lost or suspicious activity on your account to your bank and Action Fraud
- The crime: Quishing scams
Quishing, also known as QR code phishing, involves tricking someone into scanning a phony QR code with their phone or device. The QR code then takes the user to a fraudulent website that might download malware or ask for sensitive information. QR codes are often found on things like parking machines, charging points, emails and even restaurant menus.
The prevention:
If the QR is on a poster in a public area, always check whether it appears to have been stuck over the poster, window or billboard. If the sign or notice is laminated and the QR code is under the lamination or part of the original print, chances are it’s more likely to be genuine. If in doubt… download the app from the official Google or Apple store or search the website on your phone’s internet browser, rather than scanning a QR code to take you there. It may take longer, but it’s more secure. Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- The Crime: Social media scams
Beware fraudsters on social media platforms advertising festive giveaways and offers. While many will be genuine, some are designed to encourage you to click on phony adverts, which take you to bogus sites and ask for personal or financial details.
The prevention:
- Carefully consider the amount of personal information displayed and posted on your social media accounts as fraudsters can use this to their advantage
- If you click on a social media advert, do the necessary checks before buying anything from the website you land on
- The Crime: Malware fraud
Mobile phones, tablets and anything tech are the gifts of choice for many at Christmas, but these are a cyber-criminal’s dream! Fraudsters are constantly developing new ways to infect our devices through malicious apps or infected website URLs.
The prevention:
- Make sure you have the latest version of software installed for increased protection
- Only download apps from official app stores like Google Play and Apple Store
- Avoid clicking on links in emails from unknown sources
- The crime: Auction fraud
Auction sites such as eBay and Vinted are a great way to buy Christmas gifts – items are often cheaper and you get a great feeling from giving new life to something unwanted. However, while most items and sellers on auction sites are genuine, some are looking to make a quick buck at your expense.
The prevention:
- Always use recommended methods of payment rather than transferring money direct to a seller
- Research the seller before you bid. Check their feedback but be mindful this can also be falsified
- Be cautious when buying from sellers abroad or private individuals. If in doubt, back out of the sale
For more information visit the fraud pages of the Cambridgeshire Police website and the Action Fraud website.
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