PEOPLE across Stockport are being urged to fight festive fraud this Christmas.
The advice from Action Fraud urges shoppers to look out for warning signs that an offer of goods may be too good to be true.
It is also reminding people in the borough to be on the look-out for cyber-crime in order to prevent fraud.
If something seems too much of a bargain, it is most probably of poor quality, fake or may not even exist.
Only use bank transfer to pay people you trust for goods and services. If you become a victim of fraud from payment via bank transfer, you are not protected.
Ensure you have installed the last app updates and software to ensure your payment details are as protected as they can be.
Criminals can use your email to access online accounts, so make sure you use a strong and different password to protect your email account.
Be aware of phishing emails and texts throughout the holiday period. Don't click on a link in an unexpected email or text and if a deal seems too good to be true it probably is.
Sheila Bailey, Stockport Council's Cabinet Executive Member for the Communities and Housing. said: "Don't be caught out by fraud this Christmas.
"Follow these useful tips to help to keep you vigilant so you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.
"Always remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you think you have spotted a scam, please report it immediately."
For more information about scams visit www.actionfraud.police.uk