Scam alert issued over Black Friday shopping after £15 million was stolen last year

The police, banks and cybersecurity experts are warning shoppers to be extra vigilant when making Black Friday and Christmas purchases. The warning is coming on the back of revelations that more than unsuspecting shoppers collectively lost more than £15 million last year to scams – the average loss per person was £1,000. The experts fear this figure may increase as more people try to find good deals in the midst of increasing cost of living.

Types of scams

Black Friday (which falls on November 25 this year) ushers in the busiest shopping and bargain-hunting period in the UK. And as Christmas approaches, more shoppers would be looking to snatch up deals on items for their loved ones.

A statement issued by UK Finance, a trade association for the UK banking and financial services sector, said there is the potential for a rise in purchase scams with criminals targeting consumers especially those that shop online for devices such as games consoles, bicycles and clothing. Other areas targeted by scammers also involve home improvement and DIY purchases such as patio heaters and sheds.

Social media platforms, online marketplaces and auction websites are increasingly being used by criminals to carry out these purchase scams, where a customer pays in advance for goods or services that are never received.

Protect yourself

Another caution issued jointly by the National Crime Agency, the National Cyber Security Centre and City of London Police to The Sun readers, urged online shoppers to safeguard their accounts by using two-step verification and strong passwords.

And, if you see what you think is a scam email, text or website then report them. Last year, the public made 6.5million reports to the suspicious email reporting service, and as a result we removed 62,000 scam websites.

Before you make a purchase online, you might want to check reviews of the vendor from trusted sources. Also, consider using a credit card to pay or platform such as PayPal, Google or Apple Pay.

Sources used:

The Sun: Black Friday and Christmas shopping scam warning issued by cops and spy chiefs after £15million nicked last year

Glasgow Evening Times: Barclays issues Black Friday scam warning to shoppers and gives 4 key steps to follow

UK Finance: Consumers Warned of Online Scams Ahead of Black Friday