Brits searching for a bargain ahead of Christmas on Black Friday are being warned to be wary of bogus deals, as the sum lost to purchase scams increased to £41 million in the first half of this year.
According to UK financial study, more than 27% of adults have been duped by scams in which products or services purchased for do not arrive.
Criminals can promote high-value technology such as phones at low prices to entice buyers, persuade them to make bank transfers, and then vanish once the money is done.
Fraudsters frequently employ fake websites or adverts on social media, as well as auction platforms.
The number of purchase scam cases has increased by 43%, from 53,907 in the first half of 2022 to 76,946 in the first half of 2023, totaling £40.9 million.
Ben Donaldson, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said: “More and more criminals are using fake ads and websites to target their victims.
“And particularly at this time of year, too many parents who are trying to bring joy to their children are falling victim to these ruthless crimes.
“The consequences go beyond financial, because the deception involved can cause real emotional and psychological damage. So, this Black Friday, when you’re searching for gifts for your children and loved ones, take extra care online.
As the Black Friday season approaches, Brits are advised to purchase products only from reliable and recommended platforms.
One of the things to look for when purchasing is a legitimate domain that also offers customer support, so you can ensure that you can reach out to someone when you think something goes wrong.
Also consider product reviews from platforms like Trustpilot to check authenticity of products.