Nationwide issues gift shopping scam warning – “The Grinch who stole their Christmas!” | Personal Finances | Finance
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The construction company is warning the public that scammers are becoming “the Grinch who stole their Christmas presents” by targeting consumers who are desperate for the best deals. According to Nationwide, declining stocks of must-have and essential items are forcing Brits to buy items as soon as they appear on shelves or on websites.
This has led to an increase in shopping scams, with scammers advertising offers that turn out to be too good to be too true.
Purchase scams involve people parting with their private personal and financial information with scammers asking them to share their details in order to offer a transaction.
In a Nationwide survey, one in eight people in the UK admitted they would rush into a purchase this year even if it seemed unrealistic and potentially expensive.
In addition, more than one in ten people surveyed by the mortgage company turned out to have been the victim of a scam.
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However, about one in three respondents said they were convinced they would never be fooled by shopping scams in the future.
Nationwide data on the current shopping scam dilemma has revealed that people between the ages of 21 and 30 are most susceptible to this type of fraud.
Ed Fisher, Financial Crime Manager at Nationwide Building Society, explained why this type of scam is on the increase and what can be done about it.
Mr Fisher said: “After last year’s Christmas lockdown, people are more determined than ever to celebrate with friends and family.
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“Part of the festivities is giving and receiving gifts, but with the supply chain issues lingering this year, it can be harder than ever to find what it takes.
“This can mean that people are more tempted than ever to buy from websites they haven’t heard of or turn to private sellers for a good deal, but if they’re not careful, they might find crooks to become like the cranky guy who stole their Christmas. gifts.
“People always think it won’t happen to them, but shopping scams are the most common type of scam and anyone can fall for it.
“If you shop online, remember that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is, and always use a secure card or payment app unless you are completely sure that it is. person is exactly who they claim to be and the products are genuine. .
“Always research the website, product, and standard price – if something looks too cheap, it just might be a scam.
“Pay by card or secure payment app – Credit and debit cards offer greater protection to consumers if goods do not arrive or do not arrive as described.
“If you need to pay by bank transfer, try to collect the goods and pay after you see the item.
“Secure payment apps also offer good protection and almost all genuine sellers use them. Avoid wire transfers unless you know the recipient.
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