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# How to protect yourself from Christmas shopping scams in Suffolk
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/how-to-protect-yourself-from-christmas-shopping-scams-in-suffolk/
- Published: 2024-12-17T14:35:39.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:27:15.000Z
- Description: With Christmas shopping in full swing, Suffolk Trading Standards has released guidance on spotting and avoiding seasonal scams that could cost shoppers hundreds of pounds.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: Guides, Scams & Consumer Safety, #article, Suffolk Trading Standards, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** Fraudsters are increasingly targeting Suffolk residents through sophisticated scams involving fake delivery notifications, copycat websites and bogus competitions, particularly during the festive season.

![Christmas scams](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1734446039-christmas-scams-1.png)

With Christmas shopping in full swing, Suffolk Trading Standards has released guidance on spotting and avoiding seasonal scams that could cost shoppers hundreds of pounds

**The big picture:** Suffolk Trading Standards has identified five main types of scam targeting shoppers:

**Delivery notification scams:**

- Fraudsters send fake texts or emails claiming packages are delayed
- Links lead to phishing sites that steal personal information
- Some victims receive follow-up calls from scammers pretending to be their bank
- Suspicious texts should be forwarded to 7726, suspicious emails to [report@phishing.gov.uk](mailto:report@phishing.gov.uk)

**Fake websites:**

- Scammers create convincing copies of legitimate retail sites
- These sites steal payment details or deliver counterfeit goods
- Always check website addresses carefully and type them directly rather than clicking links
- Visit [https://getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite](https://getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite?ref=ipswich.co.uk) to verify suspicious sites

**Charity fraud:**

- Scammers exploit festive goodwill with fake charity appeals
- Check charity names and registration numbers at [https://charitycommission.gov.uk/](https://charitycommission.gov.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk)
- Only donate to well-known, trusted organisations

**Gift card scams:**

- Fraudsters hack email accounts and ask contacts to purchase gift cards
- They claim to need help buying presents due to illness or payment issues
- Always verify such requests by calling the person on a known number

**Social media scams:**

- Fake competitions and giveaways are used to harvest personal data
- Too-good-to-be-true offers from bogus sellers are common
- Always check official company pages to verify legitimate promotions

**What to do if you're scammed:**

- Contact your bank immediately
- Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 20 40 or [https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/](https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk)
- Contact Suffolk Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline: 0808 223 1133

**Bottom line:** Taking a few moments to verify websites, links and requests could save you from losing money to fraudsters this Christmas. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

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