The HSBC bank in the UK has come forward to warn the public of how scammers can strike you while you’re distracted during the Christmas celebrations.
This article lists some scams that you should be aware of.
Christmas Scams
Purchase Scams
Holiday seasons are not just a time of celebrations but also a time of great offers. Scammers make use of this time to create fake offers of non-existent products. Before you book something make sure of what you’re buying and check for its authenticity online.
Delivery Scams
Delivery Scams are another common ways in which people are getting scammed. People will call to report a product that was unable to be delivered and might ask you to visit a page or might ask you to tell them your personal details. Watch out for such calls.
Posing as a loved one
People might also call you impersonating one of your loved ones. They might talk to you nicely and in the end, will start to talk about their problems or about their pending bills and will ask you for money. This is another way how scammers will work.
Calls from Government Bodies and Banks
Calls from government bodies and banks are also very common. They might raise something related to financial matters and might as you to tell them your details or will instruct you to perform an action they say. Make sure of whom you’re talking to and try not to share your details via a phone call.
Crypto-currency scams
Investment scams are another way how scammers work. The scammers might call you and will ask you to invest in fake crypto-currencies. They’ll try to convince you about the possible returns that you might get and will trap you. Study crypto-currency before investing a penny into it.
Dating Scams
Dating apps and websites owned by scammers, during the festive season will ask you to send them money for celebrations or to buy a gift. Beware of such scammers.
Digital Wallet Scams
Calls to inform you regarding the deactivation or the suspension of Digital Wallets are also common. People in the rush will want to fix the issue without losing much of their time. Scammers use this opportunity to get the details from them and will loot them
New Payee Scams
Scammers might send a message telling the receiver of a recent payment made through their account. They will also attach a link to know more about the transactions. This way, the scammers can easily get you to visit a site or can directly install malware and draw information from your devices.
Covid-19 Scams
Scams related to Covid-19 are still very common. People might get calls from scammers who will pose as healthcare workers or from government bodies. Be sure of whom you are talking to by asking them more questions to ensure the true identity of the person who is calling you.
Holiday Scams
Christmas time is the perfect time for vacations as well. Scammers might share details of a fake holiday trip or a hotel reservation. Be sure of checking the authenticity of all such shared promotions.
Invoice Scams
Scammers in an invoice scam might redirect you to an account that is under their control and might ask you to make the payment through their platform. If you’re not sure of the payment platform, withdraw from making the payment.
Everyone should be aware of these possible scams which have occurred in the past. Be sure of the authenticity of the offers and the identity of the person who is calling you. Be sure not to jump into trouble and always think before you act upon the calls of others or by seeing an advertisement online.
