Stay safe against scams this Black Friday

Black Friday in the UK has never been more digital than in 2020. Ongoing Covid restrictions mean that many of us can’t get to the shops and will be making the most of deals online instead. In some ways this is a good thing – fewer arguments over wide-screen TVs in shops – but it also opens up new opportunities for criminals keen to exploit any opportunities to make money.

This sale event originally started in the US and is now one of the biggest and most important days for shoppers in the UK. Last year saw a record number of Brits go online for deals, and we expect that number to rise again this year, with people on the lookout for deals and ways to save money more now than possibly ever before due to the pandemic. However, it’s also a time of year when scammers and fraudsters are keen to exploit opportunities. We spoke to Sarah Sinden from UK Finance, who’s worked to combat fraud for over 20 years, to find out what people should keep an eye out for and to learn how we can all protect ourselves against fraud.

Is fraud more common at the moment due to lockdown and an increase in people shopping online?

More people are shopping online, which is only understandable under the current circumstances. This doesn’t mean that fraud is more common during lockdown, but it does mean that the criminals have a new opportunity to exploit people. Customers should always be vigilant to protect themselves against fraud when shopping online.

What are the most common scams around at the moment?

Criminals have been exploiting Covid-19 with a growth in fraud and scams that target people online. Many of these scams harvest customers’ personal and financial details, for example through phishing emails or smishing text messages impersonating trusted organisations, as well as cold calling and via social media.

These range from criminals sending fake emails designed to look like they are from government departments offering grants, Covid-19 relief funds, council tax reductions, help applying for Universal Credit, but also, sadly, preying on an anxious public by sending phishing emails and links claiming that the recipient has been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19. These lead to fake websites that are used to steal personal and financial information or infect devices with malware.

With the understandable rise in the use of online TV subscription services during the lockdown, customers have been targeted by criminals sending convincing emails asking them to update their payment details by clicking on a link which is then used to steal personal and financial information.

Fraudsters are exploiting those using online dating websites by creating fake profiles used to manipulate victims into handing over their money. Often criminals will use the identities of real people to strike up relationships with their targets, and the pandemic provides a convenient reason for fraudsters to not meet their victims.

Criminals are also using social media websites to advertise fake investment opportunities, encouraging victims to “take advantage of the financial downturn”. Bitcoin platforms are using emails and adverts on social media platforms to encourage unsuspecting victims to put money into fake investment companies using fake websites.

Tell us about the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign – why is it important?

Take Five to Stop Fraud Link opens in a new window is a national campaign that offers straightforward and impartial advice to help everyone protect themselves from preventable financial fraud. Many people may already know the dos and don’ts of financial fraud and scams – that no one should ever contact them out of the blue to ask for their full PIN or full password, or ever make them feel pressured into moving money to another account. The trouble is, in the heat of the moment, it’s easy to forget.

After all, trusting people on their word is something everyone tends to do instinctively. If someone says they’re from your bank or a trusted organisation, why wouldn’t you believe them? Take Five urges you to stop and consider whether the situation is genuine – to stop and think if what you’re being told really makes sense.

How can people protect themselves against fraud?

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe. You could always speak to a friend or a family member to get their opinion.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

What are the most common mistakes people make when it comes to staying safe?

Understandably, when you get that call, email or text telling you that your money is at risk or your account for a service is going to be closed down or blocked, people panic. That’s only natural. But only criminals will rush you into making on-the-spot decisions, giving them your personal or financial information or getting you to transfer your money to ‘safe accounts’.

Challenge: Could it be fake? Remember, it’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

There will be loads of amazing deals around for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but how can you check if a deal is genuine or not?

Always remember:

• Be suspicious of any “too good to be true” offers or prices.
• Use the secure payment method recommended by reputable online retailers and auction sites.
• Do your research before making any purchases and ask to see larger value items such as vehicles in person with the relevant documentation to ensure the seller owns it.
• If you are purchasing items made by a major brand, make sure it is from the list of authorised sellers listed on their official website.
• Always access the website you’re purchasing from by typing it into your web browser and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
• Always ensure you click ‘log out’ or ‘sign out’ of websites.

Are you planning on taking advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and offers this year?

I do hope to get some good deals but I’m always very careful about where I make my purchases from. I only use sites that I know and trust are genuine and I do a lot of research before buying anything of high value.

If you could give people one main message to take away, what would it be?

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

Learn more about the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign Link opens in a new window and follow us on Twitter Link opens in a new window, Facebook Link opens in a new window and Instagram Link opens in a new window to see more of our tips and advice.