Beware of scammers ruining your Christmas
vulnerable: “Whatever your age, stick to safe practice and be vigilant when buying online.”
CHRISTMAS TURKEYS
Counterfeit goods are another danger at Christmas, with the added risk of electric shock or fire.
One in three Britons has mistakenly purchased a counterfeit electrical item online, according to charity Electrical Safety First.
Chief executive Philip Buckle said fake items are hard to spot, with online shoppers misled by imagery taken from official product sites, fake official safety marks, false reviews and believable pricing: “They are often retailing for just a few pounds below recommended retail value to avoid arousing suspicion.”
As ever, the old rule applies: “If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Always double check company contact details when shopping on the web. Buckle added: “If the seller does not supply their full details, or there is a just a PO Box, be wary, as many fake goods are manufactured overseas.”
Always buy from a reputable retailer and above all, trust your instincts.
Where possible, use a credit card (not a debit card) for purchases between £100 and £30,000, as this gives you protection if a trader goes bust, or does not respond to your letters or calls. Using a safe way to pay just as a credit card, PayPal or Shieldpay is particularly important when buying from an unknown seller on, say, eBay, Gumtree or Etsy.
‘They’re often retailing for just a few pounds below recommended retail value to avoid suspicion’
REPORT IT
Perhaps the biggest fear is that you fall victim to a scam and your bank says you were to blame, then refuses to reimburse you.
Claire Kitchen, dispute resolution partner at solicitor Hodge Jones & Allen, said banks have been tightening their policies on compensating victims.
Report any scam to your bank immediately and supply as much detail as possible: “Also contact the police and get a crime reference number.”
If your bank sends you a final decision letter refusing compensation then take your case to the Banking Ombudsman, which will investigate.
She added prevention is better than cure, and not just at Christmas: “The best way to protect your money is to be hyper-vigilant. It is far easier to avoid being a victim of fraud than to recover money after it has been stolen.”