UPDATE: A Belfast woman is urgently warning shoppers about rising scams as Black Friday approaches on November 28. Sam, who lost £6,000 to a scammer impersonating her bank, emphasizes that anyone can fall victim and urges others to speak out.
As retailers prepare for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, scammers are poised to exploit unwary customers. Sam, 51, shared her harrowing experience, saying, “I thought falling for a scam was something that only happened to older or more vulnerable people. I’m very good with money and check my bank every day.”
Sam’s situation is a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online. She unwittingly provided sensitive information after a scammer warned her of supposed fraudulent activity on her account. “When I realized what had happened, I felt so ashamed, I was mortified,” she recalled.
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) reports that over a third (34%) of people in Northern Ireland feel uncomfortable telling friends about being scammed. Alarmingly, less than half (48%) would discuss it with their families, fearing embarrassment and judgment. Sam urges anyone affected to report the scam and seek support, stating, “I would urge other people affected by scams to tell someone they trust, report it, and get support from MoneyHelper.”
As the Black Friday shopping frenzy approaches, MaPS is intensifying its campaign against scams. Janine Maher, Northern Ireland Manager at MaPS, warns shoppers to stay vigilant. “If you’re planning on shopping for online deals, be vigilant around scams. Don’t rush into purchases and only shop from trusted retailers,” she said.
The urgency of this message cannot be overstated. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, and their tactics can deceive even the most cautious consumers. Maher reassures victims, emphasizing, “You are the victim of a crime, and you are not to blame.” She encourages reporting scams to Action Fraud and reaching out to MoneyHelper for free, confidential support.
As Black Friday draws near, consumers must be aware of the heightened risk of scams. Protect yourself by only shopping from reputable sites and never sharing personal codes or information with unknown contacts.
For anyone who has experienced a scam, remember that you are not alone. Seek help and report the incident to ensure you can recover. Visit the MoneyHelper website for more information on how to safeguard your finances this holiday season.
Stay safe while shopping and share this warning to protect others from falling victim to scammers. For the latest news and updates, keep following our coverage.
