Stay vigilant this festive season! Fraudsters are on the prowl, so double-check before you click on any Christmas deals that seem too good to be true.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling for fraudulent ‘too good to be true’ Christmas offers…

Always check the URL for any mis-spellings or unusual characters. Legitimate websites will have URLs that start with "https://" indicating a secure connection

Look for reviews and ratings from other customers. Be cautious if the seller has no reviews or only has overly positive reviews, which might be fake.

Scammers often use social media to promote fake deals. Avoid clicking on ads directly from social media. Instead, go to the retailer's official website by typing the URL into your browser

Legitimate businesses will have a physical address, phone number and customer service email. If this information is missing or seems suspicious it might be a scam

Always use credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal. Avoid direct bank transfers or payments through untraceable methods like cryptocurrency

A legitimate seller will have clear return and refund policies. Be wary of sellers with vague or non-existent return policies

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other retailers to see if the discount is realistic

Scammers often send phishing emails or texts claiming issues with your order or delivery. Do not click on links in these messages. Instead, contact the retailer directly through their official website

By following these tips, you can enjoy a safer online shopping experience this holiday season. 

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Police Scotland's North East Division covers rural and urban areas in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.  The division has five territorial command areas which have their own dedicated Area Commander, who is responsible for the daily policing function.  Each command area is served by a number of community policing teams whose activities are built around the needs of the local community.  These teams respond to local calls and look for long term solutions to key issues.  They are assisted by the division's Crime Reduction Unit who deliver against Force and local priorities in a number of areas, including physical and social crime prevention, supporting and enhancing community engagement and creating and sustaining strong and effective partnership working.