A LEADING consumer expert has shared her top tips for avoiding being scammed or having your bank account emptied by cyber criminals when shopping for Christmas on Black Friday this week.
Jane Hawkes warned that consumers have to be on high alert for online scammers who try to cash in on one of the busiest days in the year for retailers.
She said cyber-crooks are bombarding consumers with emails that are designed to trick them into revealing sensitive information like banking and credit card details.
In the past few days, banks, building societies and online retailers have issued warnings as the nation gets ready to spend.
Data released by Action Fraud revealed that there were more than 16,000 reports of online shopping fraud during last year’s festive season.
Many fraudsters rely on text and email messages that appear to be from legitimate businesses but contain links to fake websites that are designed to harvest bank logins and credit card details.
The process is known as phishing and the mobile phone firm Three said it received over 3,500 complaints about fraudsters over the last holiday period.
The cyber security firm Bitdefender estimates that 77% of Black Friday-themed spam emails are scams, while Barclays says the average loss on a shopping scam is £700.
And consumer expert Jane said attackers are becoming more creative: “They are now tailoring their tactics and messaging for greater appeal to different groups of shoppers in specific demographics and regions.
“These are organised cyber criminals sending billions of messages using tactics that include phishing emails, sophisticated malware attacks, and the impersonation of popular brands.
“Beware, for example, of ‘dear customer’ emails and messages warning that a package has been delayed and asking you to click on a link to confirm your details.
“There are even kits that can be bought on the Dark Web that allow criminals to set up very convincing but fake online banking portals, so the stakes can be very high.”
Her advice to shoppers is:
- Do your research with due diligence- the devil is in the detail, make sure you check it. If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Trust your gut feeling.
- Check reviews before purchase – watch out for any which are overly complimentary and with similar wording. This could be a sign of a scam outfit as opposed to a genuine endorsement.
- Be wary of any red flags – super cheap pricing, urgency to make time pressured decisions, unknown companies, lack of contact details on websites and websites which don’t function correctly, misspelling of website urls or item descriptions.
- Check unfamiliar domain names on Who is? https://who.is/
- Pay for purchases via credit card for maximum consumer protection.
- Set up alerts with banks and providers so you are alerted if there is any activity on your account or your card is being used.
- Have different passwords for your online accounts. Once a scammer works out a password they can easily try it on all of your accounts.
55% of Accidental Deaths Happen at Home: Black Friday Warning to Avoid Unsafe Products
With 55% of accidental deaths occurring in the home, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging shoppers to prioritise safety this Black Friday. Unsafe products, counterfeit goods, and poor-quality items can turn your home into a danger zone.
Adding to the concern, threats to breathing—such as choking and suffocation—have increased by 17% in the last decade, highlighting the critical importance of buying safe, reliable products, especially for children and vulnerable family members.
Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy at RoSPA, said: “Your home should be a safe place, not a hazard. Unsafe products bought during sales can lead to serious risks like choking, fire, or poisoning.
“This Black Friday, prioritise safety over savings to ensure you protect your loved ones and create a safer environment at home.”
RoSPA’s Top Tips for Staying Safe While Shopping Online
To help shoppers avoid dangerous deals and make informed choices, RoSPA provides the following guidance:
- Prioritise Safety Over Savings
While discounts may tempt you, ensure products meet UK safety standards. Research thoroughly, particularly when buying toys, electronics, and household items.
- Be Wary of Counterfeit Goods and Check for Safety Markings
Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations. Always purchase from trusted retailers and ensure that toys, electronics, and other high-risk items display the CE or UKCA mark.
- Stay Informed About Product Recalls
Check the UK Government’s product recall website before buying to ensure the product hasn’t been flagged as unsafe.
- Be Extra Vigilant with Children’s Products
For items aimed at babies or children, buy from reputable retailers and check authenticity and safety labels. Make sure that the product contains instructions.
- Report Unsafe Products
If you receive a product that appears unsafe, report it to the retailer and Trading Standards (contactable through Citizens Advice). Reporting helps prevent others from being harmed.
The Dangers of Unsafe Products at Home
With more than half of accidental deaths happening in the home, shoppers must make safety a top priority. Poorly made products can lead to preventable accidents, including:
- Choking hazards from toys with small parts.
- Fire risks from uncertified electrical devices.
- Poisoning incidents from unlabelled or improperly sealed household items.
