Lanarkshire Shoppers Warned About Online Scams Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, shoppers in Lanarkshire have been cautioned about the risks of falling victim to online scams. Advice Direct Scotland, the operator of consumeradvice.scot, is stressing the importance of remaining vigilant during the Christmas shopping season. In the period between April and November this year, 934 individuals in Scotland sought help after being defrauded of over £495,111 online, equating to an average loss of £530 per person. This figure adds to the £617,367 lost by 1,550 people in 2023, bringing the total to £1.1 million, or £1,972 per day.
The charity also noted that these numbers could be higher due to unreported cases or those not reported directly to the authorities. Experts are warning that scammers are adopting new tactics to target consumers, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis. Previously, poor spelling or grammar was a red flag for digital scams, but with the use of AI platforms like ChatGPT, scammers can create more authentic-looking messages. Additionally, AI image generators are being used to produce fake celebrity endorsements that appear genuine.
Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, emphasised the importance of verifying online purchases and being cautious of time-limited offers that may pressure shoppers into making hasty decisions. She advised consumers to confirm the legitimacy of websites before making any transactions and to take their time to assess the credibility of offers. Knowles also urged individuals to seek help from their advisers for free and impartial guidance and to report any suspicious activities through the ScamWatch tool on www.scamwatch.scot.
It is crucial for shoppers to be mindful of fraudulent deals presented through phishing emails, texts, and social media ads, as well as fake websites posing as legitimate retailers. Advice Direct Scotland offers free, impartial advice to consumers in Scotland through various channels, including a freephone number, web chat, and email services. The ScamWatch Quick Reporting Tool is available for reporting suspected scams and fraud activity.
As the festive season approaches and online shopping increases, staying vigilant against online scams is paramount for consumers in Lanarkshire and beyond.
Insights and Summary:
Online scams are a growing concern, especially with the rise of online shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Consumers need to be more vigilant than ever to protect themselves from falling victim to fraudsters. Advice Direct Scotland’s warning to Lanarkshire shoppers serves as a reminder to all consumers to verify the legitimacy of websites and offers before making online purchases. With scammers becoming more sophisticated in their techniques, it is essential for individuals to take the necessary precautions and seek assistance from trusted sources when in doubt.