HSBC has warned consumers that scammers are targeting shoppers and others who may have their guard down during the festive period. The average amount scammed over the 2022 Christmas period was £826, up 10 percent compared to the year before.
There are fears there will be another rise in scams this year as HSBC research shows many shoppers are willing to try less secure routes to get a bargain.
Four in 10 people said they would consider making a payment directly to a seller rather than through the app or website to secure a bargain, putting their cash at risk.
David Callington, HSBC UK’s head of Fraud, said: “We know with increased cost of living, and when money is tight, people are more likely to seek out a bargain, but we also know that cutting corners to cut costs puts our consumers’ money at risk.
“Our research shows that potentially millions of people are willing to make payments outside of an approved app or online payment process, opening themselves up to scammers who are preying on those willing to take the risk.
“We know that scammers are still present over the festive period, and with busy families who might be more easily distracted they could be easy prey for scammers who have no concern for the mental or financial wellbeing of their victims, or whether it ruins Christmas or new year.
“They are only interested in getting your money, not the impact it will have on you, your family or your finances.”
BT group and AbilityNet recently held an event to warn people of the ways scammers target people over the Christmas period.
Lucy Walsh, digital skills trainer at AbilityNet, said: “Almost all of us will, at some time or another, be enticed by ‘scammers’ to part with our hard-earned cash, or our sensitive personal data. This kind of illegal activity is particularly rife during the festive season.
“So, at this time of year, it’s even more important that we spread the word about how we can take action to identify and avoid some common tactics used by online fraudsters.
“Older people, disabled people and those who are less confident with technology are particularly vulnerable to scams, so here at AbilityNet, we want to share some tips and tactics to help keep us all safer online and have a happier, safer Christmas.”
Delivery giant Evri also peviously spoke out about some of the ploys scammers use over the festive season. The group said criminals often use a ‘spray and pray’ approach, sending out millions of bogus messages to try and dupe people.
A spokesperson said: “We take fraudulent activity incredibly seriously here and we work closely with a number of leading external cybersecurity partners as well as the UK Government’s National Cyber Security Centre to identify scams and remove these as quickly as possible.”
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