Cyber Grinch Strikes: UK Shoppers Lost £11.5m to Festive Fraud Frenzy

UK shoppers lost £11.5m to online fraudsters last Christmas. As Black Friday kicks off the shopping season, the NCSC urges extra caution, especially on social media and online marketplaces. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is—unless it’s a half-price unicorn, then definitely call us.

Pro Dashboard

Hot Take:

Oh, the holiday spirit! A time for joy, cheer, and… cyber fraud? Just when you thought Santa had the market cornered on surprise gifts, it seems scammers have been playing Santa’s evil twins, delivering unwanted surprises straight to your digital doorstep. Who knew the Grinch was tech-savvy?

Key Points:

  • UK shoppers lost over £11.5m to online fraud during the last festive season.
  • Scammers stole an average of £695 per victim between November 2023 and January 2024.
  • Social media platforms were the most cited for scams, followed by online marketplaces.
  • People aged 30-39 reported the most fraud cases.
  • NCSC is promoting two-factor authentication for safer online shopping.

Membership Required

 You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels
Already a member? Log in here
The Nimble Nerd
Confessional Booth of Our Digital Sins

Okay, deep breath, let's get this over with. In the grand act of digital self-sabotage, we've littered this site with cookies. Yep, we did that. Why? So your highness can have a 'premium' experience or whatever. These traitorous cookies hide in your browser, eagerly waiting to welcome you back like a guilty dog that's just chewed your favorite shoe. And, if that's not enough, they also tattle on which parts of our sad little corner of the web you obsess over. Feels dirty, doesn't it?