‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE WARY: EE FORECASTS RECORD NUMBER OF SCAMS THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVING SHOPPERS TOOLS TO FIGHT BACK

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE WARY: EE FORECASTS RECORD NUMBER OF SCAMS THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVING SHOPPERS TOOLS TO FIGHT BACK

• EE predicts a record 10million scam texts will be blocked by its security experts this December, a significant increase on the 9 million it stopped in 2023
• One in four shoppers (23%) have now been scammed or targeted by fraudsters in the run-up to Christmas, according to new research by EE
• The study shows more than half (56%) of UK consumers are worried about falling for a festive scam this year
• EE security partners, Norton, calculates that scam victims lost over £1,000 on average last year, or a total of £100m over the Christmas period, according to UK Finance.
• EE's research also found that a fifth of Brits (19%) try to do their gift shopping in one go, rising to 29% among 18-34-year-olds, while two-thirds of Gen Z (64%) admit they click on links without checking them
• EE urges shoppers to think 'PRESENT' this festive season to help protect against the 12 most common Christmas scams
• EE is warning consumers to brace for a record wave of scams next month, as Christmas shopping and festive activities raise the threat level across the country. EE's security experts expect to block more than 10 million scam texts, and 9 million scam calls in the run up to Christmas, up from 9 million and 8 million in December 2023.

A new study by EE reveals that one in four (23%) UK shoppers have now fallen victim to festive fraud or have been targeted by scammers during the yuletide countdown, more than 12million people nationwide. This study includes all types of scams that UK residents are targeted by including online shopping, calls, texts, online social media platforms and fake websites. Estimates from UK Finance put the total bill for Christmas fraud at close to £100 million, with EE's security partners Norton estimating that each victim loses more than £1,000.

Racing to get Christmas shopping done in time makes consumers prime targets for scammers. 2 in 10 (19%) shoppers try to get all their Christmas shopping done in one go, and a further 1 in 10 say they leave it to the last minute; an urgency that scammers prey on.

As criminals sharpen their tactics to exploit hurried shoppers, EE is, highlighting the most common risks associated with the season.

Common Scams of Christmas

1. Smishing: Scam delivery texts/emails saying a parcel has been delayed and requiring a link-click to track its status.

2. Pressure scams: Time pressure scams, often accompanied by a countdown, are a common tactic scammers use to force shoppers into hasty, ill-considered decisions.

3. Impersonation scams: Also known as 'Hi Mum, Hi Dad' scams, criminals often pose as family members or friends saying they've lost their phone and need money.

4. E-card Scams: Scammers using Christmas e-cards to trick their victims into downloading malware.

5. Website Spoofing: Fake websites offering too-good-to-be-true deals and discounts on popular items.

EE's findings suggest two in five (40%) consumers are more vigilant about scams in the final weeks of the year. While much of the regular dialogue on scams focuses on older age groups, EE's findings show that Gen Z is roughly twice as likely as those aged 55 and over to click on links without checking them, with over half (51%) of the younger generation simultaneously saying they feel awkward about warning loved ones about scams.

Richard Wainer, Regulatory Affairs Director at BT Group, said "Our commitment to protecting our customers against scams is unwavering. The festive season is the time of year consumers are most likely to be scammed and it's even more important that people have the tools they need to guard against attempted scams.

"We know people are increasingly anxious that they or their loved ones will be targeted by scammers in the lead up to Christmas, but by raising awareness of some of the most common techniques and providing advice and services such as Scam Guard, we are determined to continue to protect consumers against fraudsters."

EE is a national leader in the fight against scams; every month, it blocks around twelve million suspicious calls and texts before they can reach the intended victim. It is committed to providing the most effective scam prevention initiatives for its customers. These include Scam Guard- a subscription service that offers customers three robust ways to fight fraud from £1 a month, launched this summer.

In the run up to Christmas, EE is urging consumers to stay vigilant and think 'PRESENT' as the likelihood of being targeted by scammers increases.

EE's tips on keeping scammers at bay this Christmas:

• Passwords - Create strong passwords that are unique for each online account
• Random calls - If you get a call from a number you don't recognise, ignore it
• Encryption - Consider security products from trusted providers like EE Cyber Security, powered by Norton
• Suspicion - Don't click on links unless they are trusted
• Every device matters - Check all your devices and make sure you have the latest security update
• No personal info - Do not share your personal info unnecessarily
• Trust Your Instincts - If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

ENDS