Protecting yourself against winter scams, and what to do if you’re targeted

As the winter months approach, it's crucial to be vigilant against the rise of seasonal scams that prey on unsuspecting individuals. Scammers often take advantage of particular concerns that emerge at this time of year, from heightened expenses to home vulnerabilities. Their professionally curated schemes can catch even the savviest consumers off guard, which is why staying in the know is always the best safeguard.

With International Fraud Awareness Week upon us, we’ve created a list of the top four scams which could affect consumers this holiday season, and our Group Head of Financial Crime and Risk shares how you can stay safe and protect yourself from being conned.

Online crime

Fake websites remain a pervasive threat, especially as we enter gift-giving season. Scammers create impressive websites or adverts on social media mimicking popular retailers, with too-good-to-be-true deals on high-demand items. Once payment is received, fake dispatch and delivery information is provided, only for a small, cheap item to turn up in the post.

Delivery dupe

It’s more than likely you’re expecting a parcel this festive period, so a text message asking for payment to reschedule delivery or make up for underpaid postage won’t immediately ring alarm bells. However, fake text messages from Royal Mail and other providers are becoming increasingly common. Take a moment and think about any messages that are asking you for money or personal details – do they use your full name and address? If not, you could be looking at a scam.

Utility urgency

Homeowners should be wary of calls from individuals posing as representatives from the local gas, electric, or water company, with a threat of cutting off utilities. These fraudsters often target elderly snaps and during cold snaps, and demand immediate payment via bank transfer. Be extra vigilant with cold callers looking to offer support with winter fuel payments and never provide your banking details.

Charity conmen

Another prevalent scheme is the donation scam, where fake charities exploit the holiday giving spirit by employing high-pressure tactics to gain immediate payment. Callers will pretend to represent a legitimate charity with vague claims of helping winter crisis victims, however in truth they pocket the donations for themselves.

These are all sobering scenarios, but our Group Head of Financial Crime and Risk, Richard Powell, has some practical guidance on what you should do if you suspect you’re the victim of a scam.

Firstly, it should be said that on a daily basis people of all ages and backgrounds fall foul of scammers. It’s important to remember not to feel embarrassed or ashamed, and acting quickly and decisively to mitigate potential loss is crucial.

If you've already shared sensitive information or made a payment, it's essential to contact your bank or financial institution immediately. Many banks such as Charter Savings have dedicated fraud prevention teams that could help you take steps to secure your accounts and potentially recover any lost funds. It's also advisable to closely monitor your accounts for any unauthorised activity and report any suspicious transactions immediately.

In addition to contacting your financial institution, you should report the scam to the relevant authorities, such as Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. By reporting the incident, you not only help protect yourself but also contribute to a broader effort to identify and disrupt criminal networks.

It's also important to document as much information about the scam as possible, including the method of communication (e.g., phone call, email, text message), the content of the messages, and any contact information provided by the scammer. This information can be valuable for law enforcement investigations and may help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

Finally, consider reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or community organisations for support and guidance. Scams can be emotionally and financially devastating, and having a network of support can be invaluable in navigating the aftermath and preventing future victimisation.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the impact of a scam and help protect yourself and your loved ones from the devastating consequences of financial fraud this holiday season and into the future.

If you think that you may have been the victim of a fraud or scam, or your account has been compromised in any way, it's important to call us as soon as possible on 0800 032 9999. We also recommend reporting it to Action Fraud by either calling 0300 123 2040 or using their online tool at www.actionfraud.police.uk/.