How to avoid falling for a 'festive fraud'

'Tis the season for scammers! I have been popping up on the TV and radio lately with tips on how to avoid getting tricked.

- MARTYN JAMES

The best way to beat the scammers is to be vigilant.

Be cynical of any unsolicited message or call, never click a link or hand over your details to a stranger, always contact businesses or organisations through the official website - and if you think you've been tricked, speak to your bank or card provider asap.

Here's my guide to some of the latest scams doing the rounds right now. There are lots of different and confusing terms for different types of fraud. Here's a quick glossary so you know what they mean.

Spoofing:

This is where fraudsters use a bit of cheap technology to make it look like a phone call or message is from an official business or organisation - or even someone you know.

Push payment/courier fraud:

Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud is where you are tricked into either transferring large amounts of money or handing over your bank details by fraudsters pretending to be your bank or the police.

Boiler rooms: