Belfast Woman Warns of Scams Ahead of Black Friday Shopping

A woman from Belfast is sharing her harrowing experience after losing £6,000 to a scammer impersonating her bank. As shoppers gear up for Black Friday on November 28, the risk of falling victim to scams has escalated, prompting authorities to issue warnings. Sam, the victim, emphasizes the importance of speaking out about such incidents, urging others not to feel ashamed if they find themselves in similar situations.

Scammers are particularly active during high-traffic shopping periods, exploiting consumers’ eagerness for discounts. According to research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), more than a third of individuals in Northern Ireland—34%—reported feeling uncomfortable discussing their experiences with friends, while nearly half, at 48%, expressed reluctance to confide in family members about financial losses due to scams.

Sam, aged 51, believed she was well-prepared to avoid fraud. Despite regularly checking her bank account and having a solid understanding of financial matters, she fell victim to a sophisticated scam. “I thought falling for a scam was something that only happened to older or more vulnerable people,” she said. “I did everything you shouldn’t do—I gave him codes he asked for and even thanked him, as he warned me of fraudulent activity on my account.”

The emotional toll of the experience was significant. “When I realized what had happened, I felt so ashamed; I was mortified,” she added. After reaching out to the police and Victim Support, Sam began to rebuild her confidence. She now encourages others affected by scams to report their experiences and seek help. “Tell someone you trust, report it, and get support from MoneyHelper,” she advised.

As Black Friday approaches, MaPS is actively encouraging individuals to report scams and seek assistance. Janine Maher, Northern Ireland Manager at MaPS, emphasized the importance of vigilance during online shopping. “If you’re planning on shopping for online deals, be vigilant around scams. Don’t rush into purchases and only shop from trusted retailers,” she stated.

Maher reassured victims of scams that they should not feel embarrassed or ashamed. “You are the victim of a crime, and you are not to blame,” she declared. The first step is to report the scam to Action Fraud. For those seeking guidance, MoneyHelper offers free, confidential support to help understand the situation and navigate the recovery process.

The research highlights the stigma surrounding financial scams, with many people fearing judgment or feeling foolish for their losses. MaPS urges victims to overcome these feelings and reach out for help. By talking to an expert, individuals can better understand the risks of secondary scams and find pathways toward recovery.

For additional information on how to protect oneself from scams, individuals can visit the MoneyHelper website. Awareness and action are key to combating the increasing prevalence of scams, particularly during busy shopping seasons.