Germany-based delivery firm Gorillas has laid off 300 workers – Copyright AFP/File STR
Every year, scammers take the opportunity to target relaxed holiday shoppers around the Christmas period with new and old scams. This leaves people increasingly vulnerable online.
James Walker, CEO of Rightly has identified and highlighted the 12 scams of Christmas people need to look out for when buying gifts. He has outlined these to Digital Journal. In terms of the best way for consumers to protect themselves, this starts with protecting data.
Online shopping fraud
According to Walker: “Often, through hype and stories in the media, a particular gift becomes the ‘must-have’ present for that year. In the past it’s been the latest PlayStation, or one year it was the Woody doll from Toy Story that no one could find for love nor money in the run up to Christmas.”
Walker continues: “The scam occurs when scammers present fake websites claiming to sell the essential gift. The demand for a particular gift is a gift itself to scammers. Customers can’t believe their luck – they’ve found the perfect present and the kids will be super-excited. They pay for the gift. It never arrives.”
Walker’s advice is: “Always remember, if it looks too good to be true, then it almost certainly is. If you see something that seems this way, it should set off alarm bells, not just jingle bells.”
Christmas delivery scams
Says Walker: “Naturally, Christmas is a time when the deliveries…
