Christmas shoppers are being warned to watch out for fraudsters when shopping online during the festive period.

As part of a Christmas safety tips campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership wants people to be aware of scams that target online shoppers.

Scams range from bogus websites advertising counterfeit goods and fake e-Christmas cards which contain a virus to collect personal data to selling goods that don’t exist via online auction sites or items that are bought never being delivered.

Many of the scams promise to save time and money but in reality deliver festive heartache and misery.

To find out more about online Christmas scams and pick up some top tips to protect yourself, visit www.dudleysafeandsound.org

Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for community safety, said:

“Scammers know that at this time of year people are spending a lot of money and most people do some kind of online shopping, often not being as cautious as they normally would be.

“Many fall victim to online fraud every year leaving them out of pocket, so knowing ways to protect yourself, particularly at this time of year, is really important.

“It’s also useful to share these tips with friends and family so they can also watch out for scams too.”

Sessions to raise awareness of online and offline frauds and scam are being held on Tuesday 27 February 2018, The Store House in Brierley Hill at 10am and 1pm. To find out more and book a place go to www.eventbrite.com and search for events in Dudley.