Brits hunting for Christmas bargains online have been urged to tread carefully, as an SEO consultant has warned that certain Google searches could leave shoppers more exposed to scams.
According to Luca Tagliaferro, SEO consultant, fraudsters target trending search terms around the festive season to lure people into fake websites, clone stores and phishing pages.
“If a deal looks too good to be true – it usually is”
“Every December, I see a surge in risky search behaviour,” explains Luca. “People type in terms like ‘cheapest iPhone 16 deals’, ‘PS5 half price’, or ‘luxury perfumes 80% off’. Scammers know this – they optimise fake websites to rank around these searches, or buy ads that look legitimate.”
Data from Google Trends shows that in December 2024, searches for “cheap designer gifts” jumped by 190%, while “discount iPhone” rose 140% in the two weeks before Christmas.
“These spikes are like magnets for scammers,” Luca adds. “They know shoppers are desperate for last-minute gifts and will click the first cheap offer they see.”
The Red Flags Shoppers Should Watch For
Luca highlights the main red flags that should put consumers on alert:
| Red Flag | Why It’s Risky | What to Do Instead |
| Unbelievably low prices (50–80% off new products) | Likely counterfeit or non-delivery scams | Cross-check average retail prices first |
| Poor spelling/grammar on the site | Common sign of cloned/fake websites | Stick to official brand domains |
| No contact details or only a web form | Makes it impossible to chase a refund | Look for a verified address/phone number |
| Pressure tactics (“Only 1 left”, “Sale ends in 5 mins”) | Creates panic buying – a scam hallmark | Leave the site and re-check on trusted retailers |
| Payment only via bank transfer | Removes buyer protection | Always pay with credit card or PayPal |
Advice for Safe Shopping This Christmas
Luca recommends:
- Always search the retailer’s name + “reviews” before buying.
- Avoid clicking the very top “sponsored” results without checking the domain.
- Stick to established retailers or marketplaces with buyer protection.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your payment accounts.
“Search is a brilliant tool for finding Christmas deals – but the scammers know how to manipulate it. If you stay alert to the red flags, you’ll save money and avoid stress,” Luca concludes.
