To help protect people this Christmas, HSBC UK is sharing some of the techniques that scammers may use to get their hands on your hard-earned cash and guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim of a scam.
David Callington, HSBC UK’s Head of Fraud, said: “Scammers are devious criminals who use a wide range of techniques and scenarios to steal money from you. Letting your guard down in the run-up to Christmas could take the shine off your festivities, and can have an immediate and much longer-term impact on your finances.
“Scammers will be using the distractions of the Christmas period to try and steal your cash. While we all want to have a magical time, follow some simple steps to make sure you don’t fall under their spell.”
Here are the 12 Scams of Christmas that may be circulated by scammers:
Scam #1: Purchase scams – The most common type of scam in recent times. Scammers will use national or local online selling pages to trap people looking for Christmas bargains, and will try and trick you into paying for items that don’t exist. The item won’t arrive and your money is lost. Higher value scams involving the purchase of fictitious campervans or motorhomes are also on the rise.
Scam #2: Delivery scams – Buying Christmas presents online may be convenient but it leaves you at risk of scams where…
