As the festive season approaches, so do the cybercriminals. With online shopping, travel bookings, and digital greetings on the rise, fraudsters are finding new ways to exploit holiday cheer. From fake promotions to phishing emails, here are 12 of the most common scams UK consumers should be aware of — and how to avoid them.
🎣 1. Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals send fake emails advertising bargain products or urgent delivery updates. Clicking these links can lead to phishing sites or malware infections.
📱 2. Fake Social Media Promotions
Scammers create fake store pages offering goods at unrealistically low prices. Once payment details are entered, they’re stolen and misused.
🚚 3. Fake Shipping Notifications
Emails or texts claiming to be from delivery services prompt users to “schedule delivery” via malicious links. These often lead to malware or data theft.
❤️ 4. Charity Scams
Fraudsters exploit goodwill by asking for donations to fake causes. Always verify charities before donating.
🌐 5. Fake Websites
Cybercriminals build convincing eCommerce sites to trick shoppers into entering payment details. Look for HTTPS and check reviews before buying.
🎁 6. Gift Card Scams
Emails claiming you’ve won a gift card may ask for personal info or payment. Legitimate companies never charge to send a gift card.
✈️ 7. Travel Scams
Fake travel deals and holiday packages are used to lure victims. Always book through trusted providers and verify offers.
💌 8. E-card Scams
Malicious e-cards may contain phishing links or malware. Confirm the sender before opening any digital greetings.
📶 9. Wi-Fi Network Spoofing
Hackers set up rogue public Wi-Fi networks to intercept data. Avoid online transactions on public Wi-Fi — use mobile data or a VPN.
🖥️ 10. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pose as tech support, claiming your device has issues. They’ll ask for remote access or payment. Real tech support never contacts you unsolicited.
📦 11. Package Theft Scams
Fake delivery failure messages ask for personal info or link clicks. Always verify with the courier directly.
💼 12. Job Offer Scams
Scammers pose as recruiters offering fake jobs. They may request personal data or payment for training. Contact companies via official channels to confirm.
Final Thoughts: Cyber scams spike during the holidays, but awareness is your best defence. Stay vigilant, verify sources, and think twice before clicking. A safe season is a happy season.