The Most Common Christmas Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them

Christmas is a season of joy and generosity, but unfortunately, it’s also prime time for scammers seeking to exploit the festive spirit. Fraudsters ramp up their activities during the holidays, knowing that the rush of Christmas shopping can make people less vigilant.

Experts at GameTop have revealed the most common Christmas shopping scams and shared essential tips to help shoppers stay safe and fraud-free this festive season.

Top Christmas Shopping Scams to Watch Out For

1. Delivery Scams

The Scam: Shoppers receive fake texts or emails claiming a parcel couldn’t be delivered. These messages prompt victims to click a link to reschedule delivery and pay a fee, leading to stolen financial details.
Expert Tip: Never click on links in unsolicited delivery messages. If unsure, contact your courier directly or wait for legitimate follow-up communication.

2. Black Friday/Cyber Monday Scams

The Scam: Fraudsters use email and social media ads to promote deals that are too good to be true. Victims follow the links, provide payment details, and fall prey to phishing scams.
Expert Tip: Stick to trusted high-street retailers or familiar online stores with secure payment systems. Avoid deals that seem overly enticing.

3. Fake Shopping Websites

The Scam: Criminals create counterfeit websites mimicking legitimate retailers, luring shoppers with unbelievable discounts. Buyers end up sharing personal and financial information but receive no products.
Expert Tip: Be alert to telltale signs like poor grammar, mismatched fonts, or unusual colour schemes. Always type retailer URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking on links.

4. Too-Good-To-Be-True Ads

The Scam: Scammers use flashy online ads to promote fake products at massive discounts. Victims lose their money and have their payment details compromised.
Expert Tip: Verify advertisers’ profiles, check independent reviews, and use secure payment methods with buyer protection.

5. Holiday Booking Scams

The Scam: Fraudsters set up fake travel listings on dubious booking sites, stealing money from unsuspecting holiday shoppers.
Expert Tip: Book only through reputable travel companies or airline websites. Check reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot and use credit cards for added protection.

6. Ecard Scams

The Scam: Scammers send fake ecard notifications, leading recipients to malware-infected links or phishing pages that harvest sensitive information.
Expert Tip: Verify the sender before clicking on any ecard links. Use reliable antivirus software to protect your devices.

7. Loan Fee Scams

The Scam: Fraudsters offer fake loans, charging an upfront “administration fee” before disappearing with the victim’s money and financial details.
Expert Tip: Borrow only from reputable sources like your bank or recognised credit institutions. Be wary of any “loan” requiring minimal documentation or upfront payments.

How to Stay Safe

A GameTop spokesperson advises vigilance:
“The emotional and financial toll of falling victim to a scam can be severe. By staying cautious and following expert advice, you can protect yourself during the festive season.”

• Avoid clicking on unsolicited links in emails or messages.
• Verify retailer credentials and stick to familiar platforms.
• Use secure payment methods like credit cards.
• Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities or anti-fraud organisations.

About GameTop

GameTop is a trusted platform offering free, high-quality PC and mobile games. With a commitment to safety and simplicity, GameTop ensures its games are ad-free, 100% free to download, and come without time limits or in-game purchases. For more information, visit GameTop.

Stay vigilant, do your Christmas shopping safely, and enjoy a scam-free holiday season!