A MAJOR high street bank has warned customers over a scam that could see them lose £500.
Brits have been urged to look out for a fraudulent scheme that cost loyal members a total of £2million last year.
Santander UK raised the alarm after authorised push payment scams hit customers from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day.
One bank client saw £1,700 drained from their account after they transferred their hard earned cash to a “recruiter” on WhatsApp.
In another serious case, a customer lost a heartbreaking £600,000 – the biggest amount in 2023, as reported by the Daily Record.
Santander warned a spike in scams is often seen across the festive period as people let their guards down, often searching for presents on sale, or cheaper event tickets.
Christmas Day 2024 saw many fall victim to fake football match and Taylor Swift concert tickets via social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook Marketplace.
Fraudsters also took Boxing Day as an opportunity to strike, targeting vulnerable Santander customers by pretending to be bank employees.
Figures from Santander revealed there were just under 600 scams from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day.
Pete Staffel, Santander UK’s behavioural scientist, warned: “Online adverts are the prime place for finding that dream present – I even found one the other day, a perfect family game, complete with a video showing how it all worked.
“My kids would love it, and only two left in stock. But just before clicking buy, I checked the reviews, it was a scam.”
He added: “Don’t let the build up to Christmas cloud your senses. Scammers don’t take the holiday season off, and whether it’s through ‘buy it now’ ads, impersonating your bank, or offering a too-good-to-be- true investment, they will be looking for ways to be the Grinch that steals more than your Christmas.”
The bank warned clients to follow five rules to help protect them from scams.
Firstly, always make sure to take time over money transfers, don’t feel pressured into making any decisions quickly.
Experts also urged customers to be extra vigilant when buying products from social media sites as the sales are sometimes “too good to be true”.
If you believe you have been victim of a scam call 0300 123 2040.
Source; Action Fraud
And if you are contacted by someone pretending to know you, such as a friend or relative, call them on a known and trusted number to verify their identity.
If you are worried a fraudster is trying to con money out of you, dial 159.
Many banks have created a helpline with an easy-to-remember number that can be used to assist.
Scams can also be reported to Action Fraud.
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible.
There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account.
You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website.
You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number.
You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting www.consumeradvice.scot. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or calling 0808 223 1133.
