Beware of Seasonal Scams

Sutton Carers Centre
11 hours ago
2 min read

How to spot fake websites and emails that look real

With shoppers hunting for deals and retailers sending out promotions, the holiday season is a prime time for scammers. Cybercriminals take advantage of the rush by creating fake websites and sending phishing emails that look almost identical to those from your favourite stores.

As Carers we might find ourselves particularly vulnerable if you're busy, tired or distracted, so please read our tips to keep safe.

Fake websites that look legitimate

Scammers often create websites that mimic popular retailers.

These sites may have:

Professional design and logos copied from real brands
Too-good-to-be-true deals on high-demand items
URLs that look similar to the real site but include subtle changes (e.g., amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com).

How to protect yourself:

Always check the URL carefully before entering payment details
Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon in the browser
Avoid clicking on links from social media ads or unknown emails—type the retailer’s official website directly into your browser

Phishing emails disguised as your favourite shop

Fraudulent emails often claim:

You’ve won a gift card or special discount
There’s an urgent issue with your account or order
You need to 'verify' your details to avoid losing a deal

These emails usually contain links to fake login pages designed to steal your credentials.

How to protect yourself:

Check the sender’s email address—scammers often use addresses that look similar but aren’t official
Hover over links before clicking to see the actual destination
If in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s official site instead of using email links.

Red flags to watch for

Spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing
Requests for personal or financial information via email
Pressure tactics like “limited time offer” or “account suspension”.

What to do If you suspect a scam

Do not click any links or download attachments
Report the email to the retailer and your email provider
If you entered details on a suspicious site, change your passwords immediately and monitor your accounts.

Do you know what to do if you’ve lost money or you think a fraudster has access to your bank account?

Contact your bank or payment service provider as soon as possible using a known email or phone number, such as the ones shown on their website or the back of your card, or call 159. Always re-start your mobile or use a different phone to ensure you are not still connected to a fraudulent caller.