Ulster Bank has launched a seasonal advent calendar as part of a campaign to warn the public of the dangers of purchase scams and provide top tips on staying safe this holiday shopping season – after data from the bank and UK Finance shows purchase scams losses are now at their highest level since data collection began in 2020.
The Scamvent calendar, which will be available in limited numbers at Belfast City Centre Ulster Bank branch, features 12 doors and finely crafted artisan chocolates, each representing one of the 12 most common purchase scams the public are likely to encounter this festive period.
Throughout the UK, a record £85.9 million was stolen by criminals in 156,516 purchase scams last year, with 92% of them originating online; a 34% increase compared to 20221.
The bank’s unique twist on the traditional advent calendar aims to arm adults with the knowledge and top tips they need to shop safely this Christmas after new research revealed 58% of adults here are approached by scammers more during November and December2.
Research commissioned by the bank showed that in Northern Ireland, 37% of adults are anxious that they’ll fall for a scam when doing their present buying, with 92% of purchase scams linked to online purchases1.
One in five (21%) have encountered an advert they believe to be a scam or a fake website or digital marketplace listing while shopping for presents during the holiday season, slightly less than the total figure for adults across the whole of the UK (25%). Conversely, three-fifths (60%) of adults here said that they are more vigilant about scams during the festive shopping period, a figure which drops down to 46% when looking at the UK as a whole.
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The purchases that are most at risk of being a scam were also showcased to help consumers keep on the lookout for scams as they buy presents for loved ones this festive season.
The 12 purchases most at risk of being a scam, according to data from people who have themselves been targeted by a scam, or know someone else who has3:
Scammers advertise high-demand smartphones at attractive prices. Once the victim pays, they may receive a counterfeit or stolen phone, a completely different item, or nothing at all. These scams often occur on online marketplaces or through social media ads.
Fraudsters sell fake or non-existent tickets to events such as concerts, sports games, or theatre shows. Victims either receive counterfeit tickets that are not accepted at the venue or no tickets at all, despite making a payment.
Fraudsters sell fake or invalid gift vouchers at attractive prices. Victims purchase these vouchers only to find that they cannot be redeemed. These scams often happen through fake websites, social media ads, or email offers.
Adverts, often on social media, which appear to be from trusted retailers such as supermarket chains offering promotions on cut-price laptops from well-known brands – sometimes described as inventory clearance. The ads direct interested buyers through to fake registration websites which steal personal details and payment card information.
Fraudsters set up fake online stores or use social media to sell branded or designer clothing at low prices. Victims may receive counterfeit items, low-quality knock-offs, or nothing at all. The websites often disappear after a short period.
Scammers tricking consumers into buying non-existent, counterfeit, or inferior home technology products through fake websites, misleading ads, or phishing schemes, often resulting in financial loss and undelivered goods.
Scammers sell counterfeit or misrepresented jewellery as genuine items, often at inflated prices. They might use convincing photos, false certifications, or claims of authenticity to lure buyers. Once the purchase is made, the buyer receives jewellery of inferior quality or nothing at all.
Fraudsters take advantage of the popularity of video games, especially newly released or highly sought-after titles. They may offer these games at discounted prices or claim to have rare editions. Victims may receive counterfeit copies, different games, or nothing at all.
These scams involve fraudulent sellers posing as legitimate dealers or private sellers, offering vehicles at prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers may use fake listings, doctored vehicle history reports, or pressure tactics to get the buyer to pay upfront deposits or full payments without ever delivering the car.
Scammers advertise luxury or branded watches at significant discounts. Once the victim pays, they may receive a counterfeit watch, a different item, or nothing at all. These scams often target buyers through online marketplaces or fake websites.
These scams target buyers looking for designer handbags, often at a discounted rate. Scammers may use fake websites, social media ads, or online marketplaces to sell counterfeit bags as authentic ones. Buyers may end up with a fake product or, in some cases, no product at all after making a payment.
Fraudsters offer popular or limited-edition trainers and shoes at discounted prices. The buyer either receives counterfeit products that are of poor quality, a different product altogether, or nothing. These scams are prevalent on fake websites or through social media ads.
Hannah Byczkowski and Wilf Webster, familiar faces from Series 1 of ‘The Traitors’, have teamed up with Ulster Bank to launch a new scam awareness video.
Drawing on their own experiences of navigating deception and trust on the show, Hannah and Wilf have flipped the script and are now helping to educate the public about the dangers of fraudulent online purchases, especially during the holiday season.
Hannah explains in the video that “Every calendar comes with expert tips to help you spot and avoid popular festive scams. So, don’t let scammers take a bite out of finances this festive season.”
Whilst Wilf states: “From fake gig tickets, too-good-to-be-true tech deals, and even cute pet ads – scammers use tonnes of tricks to try and steal your cash.”
In addition to being an educational tool, the Ulster Bank Scamvent calendar will also include delectable chocolates, designed by chocolatier Jen Lindsey-Clark each representing one of the purchase scams.
Stuart Skinner, Fraud Expert from Ulster Bank, advised: "We all know that now is the time of year when a lot of us will be shopping; either for a Black Friday deal or getting ahead of our Christmas shopping list. We want the UK public to feel confident in taking action today to keep their money safe, so we're reminding everyone to watch out for purchase scams.
“You have to be careful when buying online because you can’t always be sure what you’re getting. Take a few minutes to go through our top tips or visit our Security Centre for more shopping guides. That could make all the difference between having a happy and safe experience, or you or your loved ones going through the heartache of losing money to criminals this season.
Top tips for spotting purchase scams from Ulster Bank’s Fraud Experts:
Be careful shopping on online marketplaces – look out for fake adverts and avoid clicking on any links or pop-ups. Always buy tickets for official sites.
Strange-looking web addresses and links can be a clue that a site isn’t genuine.
Be wary if the price is unusually low versus the typical cost of the item. Just because a website accepts debit of credit cards doesn’t mean it’s real – and a request to pay by bank transfer is a definite red flag, so steer clear.
Is it a one-time only offer, or a dela that’s expiring soon? Criminals often try to rush you by creating a false sense of urgency. Take time to pause and reflect before parting with any money or personal information.
If you aren’t sure whether a purchase is the real deal, talk to people close to you for their opinion – and be sure to look out for your friends and family too!
A limited number of Scamvent calendars will be available at Belfast City’s Ulster Bank, from the end of November.4
Source: Written from Press Release
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