Beware of Festive Scams: Gift Cards and Online Fraud on the Rise
Festive Scams Surge: Authorities Warn Against Gift Card and Impersonation Fraud
Gift card scams surge as fraudsters exploit untraceable balances, posing as trusted entities to steal funds, while social media-driven purchase frauds are at the forefront of rising crime trends in Oxfordshire.
With the festive season, authorities and financial institutions are cautioning shoppers and residents to be wary of an expected increase in scams taking advantage of the holiday rush. From gift card fraud to impersonation schemes and online purchase scams, the increased spending during the season is being used to deceive unwary victims by criminals.
Gift cards are a popular tool for scammers due to their accessibility, cash equivalence, and untraceability. They are often used for urgent payments, often disguised as trusted organisations like NHS or Police, and can be used for fraudulent activities.
Complicating recovery further, scam artists often use cryptocurrency exchanges like Bitcoin to liquidate purloined gift card balances. Retailers have tried a number of tactics to combat compromised cards, but tracking or refunding remains a stubborn problem.
According to recent TSB data, purchase scams—many of which originate on social media, now account for over half of all occurrences of approved fraud. Ads for expensive goods or concert tickets at inflated costs are used by scammers to entice victims. As an instance, a Space NK advent calendar that is typically valued at £250 was falsely marketed for only £28.99, misleading hundreds of purchasers.
Avoid clicking on unknown messages, and especially the links they may contain, since even with one click, all of the information stored in your mobile can be accessed by the hacker.
Delivery fraud and impersonation are also increasing in Oxfordshire. Pushing victims into sending money or buying gift cards, criminals impersonating officials threaten to arrest them or claim they owe outstanding fines. In order to obtain personal and financial information, delivery scams use ficticious emails or messages claiming to be from courier services, pushing users to click on dangerous links to reschedule deliveries or pay nominal fees.
Staying Safe This Festive Season
Be Suspicious: Legitimate organizations never ask for payment via gift cards.
Shop Safely: Stick to trusted platforms and verify seller credibility.
Avoid Sharing Details: Never share gift card PINs or click on unsolicited links.
Report Scams: Contact Action Fraud at 0333 003 3218 to report fraudulent activity.
Banks are refunding most authorised push payment fraud victims, but awareness and caution are crucial to avoid falling prey to these scams this festive season.
