Don't get scammed this Christmas !
The festive season is almost upon us .Every year Christmas is celebrated with a host of activities for you to enjoy but it is also a time when people are likely to fall victim to scams that promise quick and easy cash rewards, especially in the current economic climate.
if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is urging vulnerable groups, including older people, single parents and families on low incomes, to beware of scammers this Christmas.
Each year there was nes reported that people get scammed .UK consumers lose £3.5 billion to scams, with the average victim losing £850 – more than enough to buy a dream Christmas covering food, decorations and gifts. The OFT has identified older consumers as more likely to be targeted by a scam but people of all ages can be caught out.
Common scams to be wary of include bogus lotteries, deceptive prize draws and fake psychics. Scammers are also likely to prey on people wish to slim down for the Christmas season with miracle slimming products.
The repercussions can be devastating with many victims suffering depression, low self-esteem and their confidence destroyed.
Here are the OFT's top 10 tips to avoid being scammed this Christmas:
* be suspicious of unsolicited letters, phone calls, or emails asking you to send money – check out the sender and ask the opinion of family, friends or neighbours
* if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is – trust your gut instincts
* always think twice - ask yourself 'can I afford to lose money on this?'
* never send money to anyone who says you've won the lottery or a big prize – you'll never see your promised winnings
* don't be rushed into sending off money by time sensitive deadlines
* never ring an 090 number unless you're certain how much the call will cost and know what you are likely to receive
* never disclose your bank account, credit card or personal details to people you don't know
* don't send money off just because a letter seems official - if you haven't heard of them, check them out before taking any action
* scammers often use fake testimonials to support their claims but don't let them fool you - make your own mind up
* don't suffer scams in silence, get help - contact Consumer Direct on your area for advice or visit the Consumer Direct website for your country.
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