With the countdown to Christmas well and truly underway, Suffolk Trading Standards is warning people to be on their guard against festive season scams.

While shoppers look to snap up a bargain the team is urging them to take a few simple steps to avoid being ripped off.

Fake websites, scam texts and bogus competitions are just some of the tactics fraudsters use.

Graham Crisp, Head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: "Be wary of offers that look too good to be true and try to stick with reputable websites that you recognise and trust. 

"Be suspicious of requests to make a bank transfer and ensure you research any individual or businesses requesting financial or personal details."

Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, Public Protection and Communities, said: "These sorts of scams can appear very plausible, and all too often innocent people fall prey to them.

"I would urge everyone to just take a few moments to think and assess before going ahead and parting with their money."

The five scams to look out for over Christmas are:

• Scam delivery texts and emails – You may get an email or text message saying your package has been delayed and it asks you to click on a link to track its status. This link could lead you to a phishing site that steals your personal information. Malicious texts are where someone clicks on a link and provides information, they may then get a phone call from someone claiming to be from their bank who offers to help safeguard funds by trying to convince someone to transfer money into a bogus 'safe account'. Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 and send scam emails to [email protected]
• Fake and copy-cat websites - The holiday season brings endless emails offering deals, sales, and bargains. Some lead to look-alike websites that trick people into downloading malware, making non-existent purchases, and sharing private information. Authenticate a website by checking the address is spelled correctly. Ideally, type it in rather than clicking on a link, or go to www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite
• Bogus charities - Only donate to trusted, well-known charities. Before giving, check the charity's name and registration number. You can verify this at the Charity Commission's website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
• Gift Card scams - Fraudsters impersonate one of your email contacts to ask you to buy a gift card for them as a favour. They will typically say they need help buying it as a present as they are too ill, too busy or have an issue with their payment card. The scammer then asks you to share the serial numbers of gift cards to steal the value purchased. If you receive an email asking for personal information or any form of financial help, call that friend or family member on a trusted number and let them know their account may have been hacked
• Fake social media contests, giveaways and bogus sellers - Social media platforms are full of bargains but are also where scammers lie in wait with too-good-to-be true offers. Fraudsters set up fake pages with offers to catch your eye and encourage you to share. These are designed to "pharm" any personal information that you have publicly available on your own profile. Search for the official page to see if an offer or giveaway is legitimate. 

Suffolk Trading Standards can be contacted via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.