With Black Friday approaching on November 28 and Cyber Monday following on December 1, UK households are being urged to remain vigilant against sophisticated shopping scams that have seen a dramatic surge in recent weeks.
Alarming Spike in Scam Activity
Online searches for "Black Friday scam" have increased by 37% in the past week alone, while broader queries about "Online Scams" have skyrocketed by 232% over the past month. This significant uptick highlights growing public concern about fraudulent websites, misleading deals, and other financial pitfalls during the busy shopping period.
Cybersecurity specialists at CyXcel have partnered with legal experts from Weightmans to provide comprehensive guidance for consumers navigating the sales frenzy. Their combined expertise aims to help shoppers recognise and avoid common fraud tactics while understanding their legal protections.
Expert Advice on Recognising Scams
Megha Kumar from CyXcel explained the seasonal threat: "During the festive season, scammers prey on the excitement of Christmas shopping, exploiting consumers with fake deals and misleading offers."
She emphasised the importance of understanding consumer rights under legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act and Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which can provide crucial protection and help recover losses if scams occur.
Kumar's key recommendations include taking time to verify website authenticity, checking independent reviews thoroughly, and avoiding rushed purchasing decisions. She also advised immediate action if targeted: "If you do fall victim to a scam, act quickly, contact your bank and report the incident to Action Fraud to ensure the best chance of resolving the issue."
Five Major Scam Threats Identified
Click-and-Collect Scams: Under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, businesses must clearly identify themselves. Shoppers should verify messages directly with retailers and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. Suspected fraud should be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre immediately.
Data Breaches from Retailers: The UK General Data Protection Regulation requires businesses to store customer data securely. If your information is compromised, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office and seek compensation. Using virtual payment options and enabling multi-factor authentication adds crucial protection layers.
Manipulative Dark Patterns: Protected under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, consumers should receive clear information about charges before checkout. Report misleading website practices to Trading Standards or the Competition and Markets Authority. Disabling pop-ups and carefully reviewing purchases helps avoid these traps.
Fake Return Policies: The Consumer Rights Act 2015 entitles customers to refunds for faulty goods or items not as described. Online purchases benefit from a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Escalate refused legitimate returns to Trading Standards or Citizens Advice.
Counterfeit Goods on Online Marketplaces: Platforms must ensure seller transparency under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Credit card purchases offer additional protection through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, making fund recovery significantly easier.
Emerging AI Scam Threats
Experts are particularly concerned about AI-powered scams and deepfakes, which fall under the Fraud Act 2006 as criminal offences. Shoppers should cross-check deals with official retailer websites and use browser tools to identify phishing sites. Reporting deepfake-related scams to Action Fraud and the hosting platform is essential for preventing further victimisation.
Beverley Beale, Court of Protection Specialist at Weightmans, added important advice for vulnerable situations: "If you suspect that you or a loved one is experiencing financial abuse, it is important to act quickly. Seeking professional legal advice can help you navigate the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from further exploitation."
As the shopping season intensifies, remaining cautious and informed provides the best defence against increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts targeting UK consumers.
