Try GOLD - Free

How to avoid falling for a festive fraud

The Journal

|

December 06, 2025

YOUR CONSUMER RIGHTS CHAMPION

- MARTYN JAMES

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

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.

MORE STORIES FROM The Journal

The Journal

Clubs begin quest for FA Cup glory

FOLLOWING a mixed start back for the region’s sides after the international break, attentions turn to the FA Cup as they enter at the third round stage this weekend.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Online shopping is the future after car park debacle

I'VE always preferred to do my Christmas shopping in real life, as it were.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

The Journal

Hospitals reintroducing face masks as winter flu cases surge

THE wearing of face masks is to be reintroduced at some North East hospitals as the surge in winter flu cases continues.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

The Journal

'Suspected dishonesty' at law firm investigated

A NEWCASTLE law firm which closed after trading for more than 100 years in the city is being investigated by the UK legal watchdog amid \"suspected dishonesty\" involving the company's owner.

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Former leader of city council given Labour peerage

FORMER Newcastle Council leader Nick Forbes is making his way to the House of Lords.

time to read

1 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Couple prosecuted for catching 174 lobsters illegally

NORTHUMBERLAND — couhave been prosecuted after breaching national and local fisheries legislation.

time to read

1 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

The Journal

Miliband: North East can be powerhouse of clean energy

Ed Miliband has vowed to make the North East the UK’s clean energy “powerhouse”, 25 years after the country's first wind farm was erected off the Northumberland coastline.

time to read

3 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Waugh’s back in love - and eyeing a landmark title

TRIATHLETE ON BRINK OF WORLD CROWN

time to read

2 mins

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Man held after car hits home

A MAN has been arrested after a car crashed into a house in Sunderland.

time to read

1 min

December 12, 2025

The Journal

Young adult unemployment has soared in the UK since Labour came to power

THE number of young people claiming unemployment benefits has soared across most of the UK since Labour came to power - even as the overall number of claimants has fallen.

time to read

3 mins

December 12, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size