Staying safe from credit card fraud this Christmas

The festive season is here—a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones.

But with all the excitement comes a need for extra caution. Christmas is also a time when credit card fraud tends to spike, as fraudsters try to take advantage of the busy holiday season.

To help you shop safely and confidently this Christmas, our in-house fraud expert, Ben Fleming, shares his top tips and insights.

Why is credit card fraud worse at Christmas?

Christmas sees a surge in spending, both online and in-store, making it a prime time for fraudsters. People are under pressure to find the best deals and often let their guard down. Combine that with the sheer volume of transactions and the distractions of holiday shopping, and it’s no wonder fraud increases.

According to Ben Fleming, “Christmas creates the perfect storm for fraudsters. People are spending more, often in a rush, and may take risks they wouldn’t normally consider. Fraudsters are quick to exploit this heightened activity.”
Here are the main reasons why fraud spikes over the festive period:

• More shopping online: Many of us turn to online shopping for convenience, but it also opens the door to risks like fake websites, phishing scams, and payment fraud. According to our research, 62% of UK shoppers plan to do most of their shopping online, up from 55% last year.
• Gift card scams: Scammers often target shoppers with fake gift card schemes. They may impersonate a retailer or even a family member to trick you into purchasing gift cards using your credit or debit card, then steal the codes.
• Card-not-present transactions: Buying online or over the phone means retailers can’t physically verify your card. This makes it easier for fraudsters to use stolen details.
• Rushed shoppers: The festive rush can leave us distracted. Fraudsters exploit this by creating fake urgency or taking advantage of hurried purchases.

Five easy tips to protect yourself

While the risks increase, there are simple steps you can take to stay safe:

1. Use credit cards for larger purchases. Credit cards offer added protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. If something goes wrong with purchases over £100, your credit card provider may be able to help. Most providers also offer fraud protection, so you’re less likely to lose money if your card is compromised.
2. Stick to trusted websites. Always check for “HTTPS” in the website’s URL, read reviews and ratings before buying, and avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails or messages.
3. Monitor your credit card statements. Fraudsters often start with small transactions to see if you’ll notice. Check your statements regularly or enable notifications for transactions on your account. If you spot anything unusual, contact your provider straight away.
4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This extra security step requires a code sent to your phone or email to complete online purchases. It makes it much harder for fraudsters to access your account.
5. Use secure payment methods. Payment services like Apple Pay or Google Pay offer encryption and added protection, reducing the risk of your card details being stolen.

What to do if you’ve been targeted

Even with precautions, fraud can still happen. If you think your credit card details have been stolen, here’s what to do:

• Contact your credit card provider immediately. They can cancel your card, issue a new one, and help reverse unauthorised transactions.
• Report the fraud. Notify Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. They can investigate and offer further advice.
• Don’t panic. Fraud can be stressful, but most credit card providers have systems in place to protect you and help you recover your money.