The UK Card Association this week issued a warning about a potential rise in online credit card fraud during the holiday season.
Women in particular are believed to be at a greater risk of falling prey to fraudsters as they tend to do more of their shopping online.
At this time of year, when many of us are feeling under severe financial pressure, it is essential to take as many precautions as possible to avoid the risks associated with credit and debit card use. Not only are we exposed to a greater danger of theft and fraud through the use of plastic, the temptation of overdrafts and seemingly endless credit card limits can also lure even the most thrifty of spenders into unmanageable debt during the festive period.
A simple way to avoid these risks? Cash of course.
Take the time to shop around, hit your local shopping centre and hunt for a bargain! As someone who started their seasonal shopping very early this year, I have found numerous deals and offers at my local shops that were nowhere to be seen online.
Daily offers and one-time sales are everywhere to be seen and you can often find your chosen items at much cheaper prices instore than you would online.
Save those Christmas pennies, avoid festive fraudsters and start the New Year free from devastating debt.Â