Natwest is urging shoppers to think before buying as scams spike during festive season (Image: Getty Images)
During November and December, four out of 10 Brits experience an increase in scam approaches.
UK Finance reported that last year, criminals stole a record £85.9 million through 156,516 purchase scams.
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Nine out of 10 of the scams were conducted online, marking a 34% rise compared to 2022.
The survey was carried out by NatWest as part of its ‘Scamvent Calendar’ initiative a special advent calendar highlighting the 12 most common purchases at risk, available in selected branches from the end of November.
A quarter of Brits have spotted an advert they suspect is from a fraudulent website or marketplace listing when shopping for gifts.
And while half admit they are more cautious about scams during the festive season, 31% still fear becoming a scam victim while doing their Christmas shopping.
Almost half (46%) admitted they are more cautious about scams during the festive shopping season.
Stuart Skinner, NatWest’s fraud expert, commented: “We all know that now is the time of year when a lot of us will be shopping; either for a Black Friday deal or getting ahead of our Christmas shopping list.”
“We want the UK public to feel confident in taking action today to keep their money safe, so we’re reminding everyone to watch out for purchase scams.”
“You have to be careful when buying online because you can’t always be sure what you’re getting. Take a few minutes to go through our top tips or visit our Security Centre for more shopping guides.”
“That could make all the difference between having a happy and safe experience, or you or your loved ones going through the heartache of losing money to criminals this season. “.
Hannah Byczkowski and Wilf Webster, familiar faces from series one of “The Traitors”, have joined forces with NatWest to unveil a new scam awareness video.
TOP 12 SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
1. Phones – 26%
Scammers offer high-demand smartphones at tempting prices. After payment, victims may receive a fake or stolen phone, an entirely different item, or nothing at all.
These scams typically happen on online marketplaces or via social media ads.
2. Tickets (e.g. concert, theatre, gig tickets) – 23%
Fraudsters peddle counterfeit or non-existent tickets to events like concerts, sports matches, or theatre performances. Victims either get fake tickets that aren’t accepted at the venue or no tickets at all, despite making a payment.
3. Online vouchers or gift cards – 23%
Scammers sell bogus or invalid gift vouchers at appealing prices. Victims buy these vouchers only to discover they can’t be redeemed.
These scams often occur through phony websites, social media ads, or email offers.
4. Laptops and tablets – 21%
Adverts, frequently seen on social media, often pose as trusted retailers such as supermarket chains offering promotions on discounted laptops from renowned brands typically described as inventory clearance. These ads guide potential buyers to fraudulent registration websites that pilfer personal details and payment card information.
5. Clothing – 19%
Fraudsters establish counterfeit online stores or utilise social media to sell branded or designer clothing at bargain prices.
Victims may end up with fake items, low-quality imitations, or receive nothing at all. These websites often vanish after a brief period.
6. Home tech appliances like vacuum cleaners and microwaves – 15%
Con artists deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent, counterfeit, or substandard home technology products via bogus websites, deceptive ads, or phishing schemes, often leading to financial loss and undelivered goods.
7. Jewellery scams – 12%
Scammers peddle counterfeit or misrepresented jewellery as genuine pieces, often at exorbitant prices.
They might use persuasive photos, ‘false’ certifications, or claims of authenticity to entice buyers. Once the transaction is completed, the buyer receives jewellery of inferior quality or nothing at all.
8. Video games – 11%
Fraudsters capitalise on the popularity of video games, particularly those that are newly released or highly coveted. They might offer these games at reduced prices or claim to have exclusive editions.
Victims may end up with fake copies, different games, or nothing at all.
9. Cars and other vehicles (e.g. campervans) – 11%
These scams involve deceitful sellers pretending to be genuine dealers or private sellers, offering vehicles at prices that appear too good to be ‘true’. Scammers might use bogus listings, manipulated vehicle history reports, or pressure tactics to coerce the buyer into paying upfront deposits or full payments without ever delivering the car.
10. Watches – 10%
Scammers promote luxury or branded watches at substantial discounts. Once the victim pays, they may receive a counterfeit watch, a different item, or nothing at all.
These scams often target buyers through online marketplaces or fraudulent websites.
11. Luxury handbags – 9%
These scams target buyers seeking designer handbags, often at a discounted rate. Scammers may use fake websites, social media ads, or online marketplaces to sell counterfeit bags as authentic ones.
Buyers may end up with a fake product or, in some cases, no product at all after making a payment.
12. Trainers and shoes – 9%
Scammers are offering popular or limited-edition trainers and shoes at discounted prices. The unsuspecting buyer either ends up with counterfeit products of substandard quality, a completely different product, or receives nothing at all.
These fraudulent activities are rampant on bogus websites or via social media advertisements.