Shoppers in Cambridgeshire are being warned to look out for the dangers of scams ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday amid the cost of living crisis. 

Citizens Advice Rural Cambs have shared tips on how to shop wisely as two of the biggest Christmas shopping events take place on November 25 and November 28. 

“Purse strings are tightening and financial pressures are increasing every day,” Nick Blencowe, chief officer of Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, said. 

“With sales season fast approaching, it’s vital we recognise the red flags when trying to bag a bargain in the run up to the holidays.” 

Here are some safety tips that Citizens Advice Rural Cambs are advising shoppers to follow: 

Do your research 

Before buying from a site you haven’t used before, see what people have said about the person or company you’re buying from by looking at reviews on different websites.

Don’t rely on reviews the company has put on its own website. 

Be wise to scams in disguise  

If a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is. If it’s branded but a lot cheaper than it appears on the brand’s website, it could be fake. 

Ways to pay 

Beware of a seller who asks you to pay by direct bank transfer. Bank transfers have limited protection if things go wrong, so avoid using them.

You should only send and receive money through the online marketplace app or website using a debit or credit card, or via trusted methods of payment like PayPal. 

Know your rights 

If you’ve bought from a retailer, you might be entitled to a replacement product or a repair of your faulty goods.

You can claim a full refund if you can prove the goods are faulty. If you’ve bought from an individual, perhaps via an online marketplace, you have far fewer rights.

Be sure to take a screenshot of the description, and double check before you buy. 

When things go wrong 

If you’ve bought something that is broken, damaged or not what you expected, contact the seller and give them a chance to put it right. 

For further advice and support, you can contact Citizens Advice Rural Cambs, Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm on 0808 278 7807.