The festive period should be full of joy, but unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for scammers. From fake delivery texts to bogus charity appeals, fraudsters are working hard to take advantage of the season.

We’ve put together a guide to help you stay safe.

The 12 Most Common Christmas Scams

1. Fake Delivery Notifications – Texts or emails claiming you missed a parcel delivery.
2. Bogus Charity Appeals – Scammers posing as charities asking for donations.
3. Gift Card Scams – Requests to buy gift cards as payment for fake services.
4. Online Shopping Fraud – Fake websites offering deals that are too good to be true.
5. Social Media Giveaways – “Win a prize” posts that steal your personal details.
6. Fake Travel Deals – Holiday offers that disappear after you pay.
7. Romance Scams – Fraudsters exploiting loneliness during the holidays.
8. Phishing Emails – Messages pretending to be from trusted companies.
9. Fake Competitions – Asking for bank details to claim a prize.
10. Counterfeit Goods – Cheap imitations sold as branded products.
11. Loan & Investment Scams – Quick cash offers with hidden traps.
12. Energy Bill Scams – Fake discounts or refunds to steal your details.

What to Do If You’re Worried

• Stop and Think – Don’t click links or share details without checking.
• Verify the Source – Contact the company or charity directly using official details.
• Report It – Call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.
• Get Advice – VCI can help. Call us on 01235 765348 or visit www.vci.org.uk.

Stay safe, share this guide, and help protect friends and family this Christmas.
💙 Find more tips and support at www.vci.org.uk