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HSBC Warns Millions Over Holiday Shopping Scams Using Urgency Tactics

The bank posted a Facebook demo of a countdown fake advert, directing customers to its site for up-to-date scam guidance.

Overview

  • The Facebook post urges customers to “take a moment” before paying for deals that look too good to be true.
  • HSBC highlights fake retailer websites and social media ads that push time-limited discounts to sell non-existent goods.
  • A demonstration shows a trainers offer cut from £200 to £40 with a 60-second countdown to illustrate pressure tactics.
  • Guidance warns about fake parcel delivery messages that phish for personal data and urges verifying senders and tracking links.
  • The bank flags counterfeit tickets and gift cards and advises using secure sites, researching sellers, updating devices, and avoiding public Wi‑Fi.