Beware of order fraud: Police warn during the Christmas season

Beware of order fraud: Police warn during the Christmas season

The run-up to Christmas not only brings a festive mood, but also an increased risk of fraudulent activity. In Carinthia, the police are warning of an increase in order fraud, which is particularly increasing during the hectic shopping season. Werner Pucher from the Carinthia State Police Department emphasized that the fraudsters specifically exploit the purchasing behavior of people who are looking for gifts. This often happens through the use of fake invoices or by announcing supposed winnings that do not actually exist.

Scammers' techniques vary, but often include advertising "risk-free" investments or even the so-called cop or son swap trick to deceive unsuspecting victims. The police are calling on the public to be particularly careful and to ensure that the providers are reputable before placing orders. Anyone who comes across offers that seem too good to be true should remain skeptical and perhaps do some research.

Precautions and tips

Given these warnings, police recommend keeping a watchful eye when shopping. It is advisable to only order from trustworthy online stores and never give personal information to strangers, especially if requested by phone or email. Using secure payment methods is also important as this can help avoid unauthorized transactions.

The police will continue to closely monitor the situation and counter possible attempts at fraud. People who encounter suspicious activity or are victims of a scam should inform the police immediately. The run-up to Christmas should be a time of joy and giving, not exploited by villains who want to harm others. For a comprehensive overview of the situation and possible further developments, the population should the current reporting on www.kleinezeitung.at track.