Public Warned Over 'Bad Santa' Scams

The public are being urged to be wary of festive scams - and to think before they hand over bank details or credit card information.

As Christmas approaches, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service (TSS) is urging consumers to be on their guard against the top five most likely festive scams of 2011.

They said that such moves are already estimated to cost consumers in Northern Ireland £100m every year.

Recognising that every stout, bearded man in a red suit may not just be bearing gifts - in person or online - TSS have outlined the most common scams at this festive season.

They said that fake websites selling cheaper goods may be a mistake as they end up purchasing fake goods. The most common complaints are on hair straighteners, UGG boots, make-up and jewellery.

However consumers have also reported buying a wide variety of fake goods ranging from clothes and shoes to iPods.

"Be wise - the main areas of risk are auction sites and entirely fake websites.

"It is always best to stick to familiar brand-name or retailer websites.

"You can also use search engines to research a website to see if people have had problems with them.

"Shoppers should be aware that a website that includes '.uk' in its address does not mean the trader is based in the UK," said a TSS statement today.

Costly Credit

Other scams are on fake credit providers/online loan applications when scammers prey on those who have a poor credit history or need money quickly.

"A person will typically reply to an advert for a fast loan and will have their application approved regardless of their credit history.

"Before they receive the loan, they are told them must pay an upfront fee to cover insurance for the loan and once this fee is paid, the victim does not hear from the company again and the loan is never received.

"Be wise - be very careful when dealing with loan companies that charge upfront fees. Don't believe adverts that claim that a loan is guaranteed. Do not wire money to loan companies using money transfer when applying for loans," said TSS.

As the New Year approaches, many consumers resolve to get fit and lose weight.

Some consumers are duped into purchasing slimming tablets online. Consumers are led to believe that, when purchasing their free sample online, they are paying only for its postage and packaging.

However, they had in fact signed up to a £69 per month regular supply of the product.

"Always read the terms and conditions carefully to know exactly what they are signing up to.

"Miracle health scams often target vulnerable people, such as those who are desperate to lose weight or find a cure for illness. It is unlikely that such products have been properly tested or that there is any proof that they are medically effective. Some of these products may even be harmful," TSS said.

One new addition is that of remote PC support where, in this latest scam, householders receive a phone call from a person claiming to represent a major computer or software company.

Some of the callers claim that the consumer's home PC has a virus, system crash or is running slowly.

"They say that they can resolve the 'problem' with the computer remotely - if the consumer gives them their credit card details and/or remote access to their personal computer, (PC)," warned TSS.

"Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company.

"Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller.

"Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue," said Damien Doherty, from Trading Standards Service.

He added: "While we may all think that we are too canny to get caught out by the scammers, evidence shows otherwise.

"The current uncertain economic climate is providing an ideal opportunity for scams to thrive and TSS is being inundated daily with complaints about the latest cons and frauds."

(BMcC/GK)