SOMETIMES our search for the best bargains of the season can make us easy prey for criminals. We can be so desperate to cash-in on a deal that we become blind to the dangers it can present.

It’s a Christmas risk that trading standards and police officers in Cumbria are all too aware of, as the festive shopping season reaches its peak and as people try to make their household cash stretch as far as possible.

Those dangers can be as basic as a con for cash. But the risks can be physical too - maybe with faulty goods that could injure you or your loved ones.

Work is being stepped up across the county to make people aware of the risks - and shoppers of their rights - with agencies vowing to clampdown on criminals at Christmas.

John Scott, of Cumbria County Council’s trading standards team, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the Christmas period.

“By following our tips, people can avoid the risk of being ripped off, or injured by poor quality gifts over the festive period.

“We would advise everyone to be careful what you buy this Christmas and where you buy it from.”

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Buying online: In most cases if you shop online you have a right to cancel and receive a full refund, even if you just don’t like the goods or have simply changed your mind.

You normally have 14 days to cancel a contract unless the goods have been made specifically for you. Know who you are buying from and make sure you know where the trader is based. Check that online retailers are safe; ensure the locked padlock symbol is visible when paying and be wary of websites that ask for personal information and are not high street names.

Faulty goods: You have statutory rights if goods you have purchased are faulty or not fit for purpose.

Try to keep receipts or email confirmations as it will help if things go wrong and don’t delay in complaining. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 stores must offer a full refund if a faulty item is returned within 30 days.

Unwanted gifts: Your statutory rights do not apply if you simply changed your mind. However, many shops have their own returns policy or offer a gift receipt, particularly when it comes to Christmas gifts, so you may find the shop is willing to refund or exchange your unwanted item without question.

This does not impact in anyway, your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Check out the store’s returns policy before you buy. Remember if you bought online, you may have additional rights.

Product safety: Be safe whether you are looking to buy Christmas lights, electrical goods as presents or even an extra heater to keep you warm.

Make sure your intended purchases have a CE mark, the manufacturer’s identity or mark, ensure it has a three-pin plug, and more complex items should have warnings and instructions for use supplied. The same advice applies to all toys, whether they are large expensive items or pocket money ‘stocking fillers’.

Fakes: In the current financial climate you may be tempted by a product for sale at a cheaper price. But, watch out. Counterfeit goods such as computer games, clothing, perfume, electrical hair straighteners and jewellery may appear to be a bargain, but in practice they rarely are. The quality is often very poor.

Electrical goods may be a fire or electrical shock hazard and perfumes and cosmetics may contain harmful substances. Plus you may be supporting organised crime with your purchase and you are depriving the legitimate industry and those who sell genuine goods.

Buying goods on your credit card: For items costing more than £100, use a credit card as you get additional protection even if you only use your card to pay a small amount. If something goes wrong and the trader won’t help, the credit card company may have to step in. But make sure you pay it off in January to avoid interest charges.

Christmas loans: Some people may look to borrow in order to afford Christmas, and may even resort to using loan sharks. These illegal money lenders are unlicensed and operate outside the law.

You must be certain if you are borrowing money that it is only coming from a reputable lender. Do you understand exactly what you are signing up to and what will happen if your financial situation gets worse?

If you are in a circumstance where you have a bad credit history but are in need of a loan, consider seeking support from a Credit Union who can provide an effective and viable alternative to the so called ‘pay day lenders.’

Cumbria has a number of credit unions throughout the county: www.cumbriacreditunions.org.uk/where.asp

Call out charges: Not everything runs smoothly at Christmas. If you have to call out a tradesman for an emergency repair during this festive season make sure you know what the ‘call out’ or ‘minimum charge’ will be before you agree.

Make sure you both understand what work will be carried out, what it will cost (or how it will be calculated) and when and how the trader expects payment.

A trader must provide an invoice or receipt showing full details of work carried out, including any parts supplied, labour and other costs. Traders must make any “call out” charge or “minimum charge” known to the customer prior to a visit being made. Remember, some home insurance policies may cover emergencies.

Policing the problems

DETECTIVES say reports of people being conned out of cash increase over Christmas.

Some of that can be fuelled by the pressure of panic-buying as the big day draws closer, particularly when online shopping.

Detective Sergeant Stephanie Goulding, of Cumbria police, said: “This time before Christmas can be really busy and it can be easy to rush into making a quick purchase online.

“But we would like to remind shoppers to take extra care when shopping for gifts online and take the time to check everything is as it seems.

“As consumers search for bargains and gifts, fraudsters are seeing this as an opportunity to trick people. They might do this with the promise of great deals and big cash savings.

“People may be defrauded on popular social media websites and online auction sites. Remember, if it looks too good to be true – it probably is.”

In December last year, 20 online frauds were reported in Cumbria. The figure is up by about a third on the type of figure the force might get in the summer months.

Although the reports are not a large number, each victim of fraud can suffer financial problems and be hit emotionally.

Det Sgt Goulding added: “We work hard together with our partners to highlight the threat and to prevent people from falling victim. To stop fraudsters in their tracks, be cautious of where and from whom you’re buying.”

n For advice on safe shopping visit: www.getsafeonline.org.uk

n If you think that you have been conned and it is not an emergency, call Cumbria police on 101, Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or go to www.actionfraud.police.uk.