More protection needed against 'Black Friday' scams
Published on 24 November 2015 09:00 AM
Online scams are a big threat to customers seeking bargains during the ‘Black Friday bonanza' on 27 November.
We want to see online customers, especially the most vulnerable, better protected from con artists.
"The internet offers many benefits but it can also pose significant security risks" says Laura Nott, Age Cymru's Scams and Swindles campaign lead.
"Online scammers see the Christmas and sales period as the perfect opportunity to con people when they're buying deals for friends and family.
"Online customers shouldn't have to worry about being robbed by criminals or targeted by unseen threats - but we want people to remember that sometimes a deal can be too good to be true."
Supporting our Scams and Swindles campaign is Get Safe Online, providing practical online advice for consumers.
"It never fails to shock me how cruel online criminals can be during this time of year; doing everything they can to con innocent and vulnerable people out of their Christmases" says Tony Neate, CEO of Get Safe Online.
"We wanted to work with Age Cymru to make sure the older generation in particular feel empowered with the right information to protect themselves.
"That way, this Christmas will be one to remember for all the right reasons."
Our Scams and Swindles campaign calls for stronger protection against scams for all older and vulnerable people and has written top ten tips to avoid scams:
1. Never buy anything instantly on the doorstep, even if you are pressured.
2. Never give unknown callers your financial details such as your bank account or credit card number.
3. The police and banks will never ask for your financial details by email or on the phone. If someone does it is probably a scam.
4. Never believe direct marketing letters that claim you have won a fortune.
5. Don't be conned by hard luck letters or emails from aboard.
6. Never hand over credit cards, bank details or cash to ‘couriers'.
7. Use only reputable local traders for work on the house or garden.
8. Don't fall for lonely hearts scammers - they want cash not love.
9. Avoid investment ‘opportunities' from cold callers, especially by phone.
10. Beware of strange emails from friends or family asking for money urgently.Their email may well have been hacked.
Find out more about our Scams and Swindles campaign.