Christmas is, unfortunately an ideal time for scammers to try and fleece you out of your hard-earned money. 

The county council’s Public Protection team has provided some advice to follow for a safe and scam free Christmas. 

Accept there is a scam for everything and everyone. Scammers can be very friendly and convincing and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online. 

Dangerous Toys and electricals - always buy toys and electrical items from trustworthy shops and online outlets so you can be confident that they meet the required safety standards. 

Doorstep crime - Rogue traders may try to convince you at your doorstep that unnecessary and costly home improvement work is needed.  Always use reputable local traders or those recommended to you by friends or family. 
 

Facebook adverts – be wary of buying goods from sites such as Facebook when branded clothes, bags, makeup and perfumes are on offer at low prices. They may be counterfeit and some may not meet safety standards. 
 

Bank scams - Beware of emails, phone calls or texts purporting to be from your bank or HMRC asking you disclose personal or financial details for a rebate. Any reputable source will never ask you to disclose your bank details over the phone or online. 
 

Online free trials - New Year resolutions often involve losing weight. Scammers know this and have created on-line pop-ups offering free trials on items like weight loss supplements while disguising contracts in amongst the fine print. After entering your card details scammers use these hidden contracts to regularly take sums of money from the victim’s account. 

 

REMEMBER - your bank, or any other official source, will never ask you to supply personal information such as passwords, PIN numbers or personal information and bank account details. 
 

DON’T - click on any email or web links unless you are absolutely sure of the source. 

 

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet member for Protecting our Communities said: 

“We all need to be extra vigilant and keep one step ahead of these scammers. Always remember that criminals come in all shapes and sizes, can be very convincing and can contact you at the door, by phone, post or online. 
 

“ Don’t assume everyone is genuine and don’t be rushed into making any quick decisions. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Only criminals will try and rush or panic you into making a decision. 
 

“Never ever provide bank details by email or over the phone unless you are absolutely certain who you are giving them to and never click on a link from an unknown email source as this can give the crooks access to your computer and personal details.” 

 

For further advice contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or email public.protection@northumberland.gov.uk