“If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Usually Is!”
- linda mulvey | Director WebHD
Why You Need to Stay Alert This Shopping Season
As the shopping frenzy for Christmas (already) ramps up, it’s not only deals that are running wild, so are scams. According to Citizens Advice, more than 7 million UK adults were deceived by a scam in the past year.
And frighteningly, 26% of those were caught via online shopping scams, fake websites, counterfeit goods, and non-existent items.
Why Now Is a High-Risk Time
When big sales and high demand collide, it creates prime ground for fraudsters. Here are a few reasons why scammers thrive around Black Friday / Cyber Monday:
Massive traffic & urgency – shoppers eager for deals may overlook red flags.
Too-good-to-be-true offers – deep discounts are tempting and lower scepticism.
Fake websites & spoofed brands – thieves create look-alikes with convincing design.
Impulse buys – less time to verify sites or sellers.
New payment methods & unfamiliar channels – like using alternative payment links or lesser-known sites.
What to Watch Out For: Red Flags
Here are some warning signs that the “deal” may be a trap:
A website or seller you’ve never heard of with unbelievably low prices.
No secure payment method (look for HTTPS and recognised payment gateways).
Sellers asking you to pay by unusual methods (gift cards, transfers to personal accounts).
Poor or missing contact details, odd domain names, or lack of reviews.
Pressure to act quickly (“only today!”, “first 100 buyers”).
The site looks legit at first glance but slips up on quality, grammar, or usability.
Remember, “If something seems too good to be true – or doesn’t feel quite right – it might be a scam.”
How to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online
Here’s a checklist to help keep your money and identity safe:
Shop via known, trusted retailers – especially when deals seem extreme.
Check the URL and HTTPS – look for secure connections and domain accuracy.
Use secure payment methods – credit cards or recognised payment processors often offer better protection.
Look up reviews and ratings – search for seller or site plus “scam” or “complaint.”
Avoid deals that force you to act immediately or handle payment outside the site’s standard checkout.
Keep your devices and accounts secure – update software, use strong passwords, and enable 2FA where available.
If something happens, act fast – contact your bank, report the scam to the relevant authority (e.g., Action Fraud in the UK), and flag the site.
Stay Safe, Shop Smart
This year, as you prepare your wish-lists, we wish you good luck, but also good sense! Scammers are shifting gears with the shopping season, using high volume and high emotions to catch people off guard.
At WebHD, we aren’t just about creating websites and marketing strategies, we believe in safe, trustworthy digital experiences. Whether you’re shopping or building your online brand, vigilance matters more than ever.
If you’re planning a campaign, setting up an e-commerce site, or simply want to make sure your web presence is secure and reputable, let’s talk, we’re here to help!
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References: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25555145.urgent-scam-warning-millions-stung-say-citizens-advice/
