How to protect yourself from Christmas shopping scams in Suffolk

Why it matters: Fraudsters are increasingly targeting Suffolk residents through sophisticated scams involving fake delivery notifications, copycat websites and bogus competitions, particularly during the festive season.

The big picture: Suffolk Trading Standards has identified five main types of scam targeting shoppers:

Delivery notification scams:

• Fraudsters send fake texts or emails claiming packages are delayed

• Links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information

• Some victims receive follow-up calls from scammers pretending to be their bank

• Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726, suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

Fake websites:

• Scammers create convincing copies of legitimate retail sites

• These sites steal payment details or deliver counterfeit goods

• Always check website addresses carefully and type them directly rather than clicking links

• Visit https://getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite to verify suspicious sites

Charity fraud:

• Scammers exploit festive goodwill with fake charity appeals

• Check charity names and registration numbers at https://charitycommission.gov.uk/

• Only donate to well-known, trusted organisations

Gift card scams:

• Fraudsters hack email accounts and ask contacts to purchase gift cards

• They claim to need help buying presents due to illness or payment issues

• Always verify such requests by calling the person on a known number

Social media scams:

• Fake competitions and giveaways are used to harvest personal data

• Too-good-to-be-true offers from bogus sellers are common

• Always check official company pages to verify legitimate promotions

What to do if you're scammed:

• Contact your bank immediately

• Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40 or https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

• Contact Suffolk Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133

Bottom line: Taking a few moments to verify websites, links and requests could save you from losing money to fraudsters this Christmas. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.