A NORTH Yorkshire-based team which tackles online crime has urged residents to look out for the 12 Online Scams of Christmas.

The National Trading Standards eCrime team, which is based in Northallerton, has already helped prevent fake cosmetics reaching the public and prevented a number of online scams this year.

Now, the team has joined forces with a number of other agencies to advise online customers about the safest way to shop during the festive season.

Mike Andrews, co-ordinator of the team, said: “Scammers like to exploit the pre-Christmas online shopping rush, particularly while consumers’ minds are focused on plans for Christmas and new year.

“It’s really important that National Trading Standards e-crime Team, Action Fraud, and Getsafe Online work together to ensure we’re all aware of the kinds of scams and rip-offs that do the rounds at this time of year"

Research shows about three quarters of consumers in the UK have shopped online this year, and throughout December, about 50 per cent of shoppers are expected to buy goods online.

Lord Toby Harris, chairman of National Trading Standards, said: “The festive period is traditionally the most lucrative for scammers, who prey on people’s goodwill at this time of year to defraud consumers.

“In most cases, presents and other goods will be delivered without a hitch, but for thousands of people across the UK, Christmas will be spoiled, or even ruined, by heartless rogue traders and criminals operating online scams. We urge people to be vigilant when shopping online this festive season – if you are in any doubt about a transaction avoid purchasing the product.”

For more information, go to tradingstandardsecrime.org.uk

 

THE 12 SCAMS ARE:

1) Online Shopping Fraud – ALWAYS use official websites for major brands, and check delivery/insurance/warranty/returns policies

2) Christmas e-Cards – PLAY it safe: If you receive an anonymous e-Card, delete it without opening

3) Auction Fraud – ALWAYS use recommended payment methods rather than transfer money directly to a seller

4) Holiday Fraud – ALWAYS pay with a credit card, and use companies which are ABTA or ATOL protected

5) Loan and Investment Scams – NEVER pay an advance fee or take a loan from a cold-caller

6) Ticketing Fraud – ONLY look at tickets on reputable websites (showing a padlock), and avoid entering your bank details on shared or public computers

7) Donating to Charity – VISIT the charity’s website by typing the address into your browser, not by clicking a link

8) Mobile Malware/Malicious Apps – ONLY download apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple Store

9) Money Transfers – NEVER send a money transfer for an online purchase

10) Social Media Scams – NEVER put information on social media which could compromise your bank accounts or security

11) Dating/Romance Fraud – ALWAYS be selective with the information you share online and never give your bank details to anyone you do not know and trust

12) Mobile Payments – DON’T save passwords or personal data on your mobile device unless it is absolutely necessary and password protected