Buying online scams

Items at lower-than-normal prices, especially if they’re hard to find or sold out elsewhere, could be a scam.

 

Shopping online? Stay safe

Fraudsters offer items that are fake or don’t exist and may make you feel rushed into a decision by telling you someone else is interested.

If something looks too-good-to-be true, it could be a scam.

Stay ahead of the game

Can you see the item in person?

Ask to see an item in person, especially if it’s local, large or expensive. You can’t always trust what you see on social media.

Good reviews, pictures and followers can be false, and even recommendations may lead to a fraudster.

Can you pay by card?

Paying for something by bank transfer is just like handing over cash. When you can’t pay by card or another way that protects your money, it might be a scam.

Always pay by debit or credit card to protect your money. Or use a payment service that offers buyer protection such as PayPal Goods and Services.

Have you looked at the reviews?

It’s easy for fraudsters to create a site that has fake reviews and business contact details. Check independent review sites to make sure a site is real. Bad reviews or too many good reviews all at the same time are signs that something is wrong.

Is the offer too-good-to-be-true?

Fraudsters learn how people like to shop. They know that you’re more likely to grab a bargain or an item that’s selling out or rare. Be suspicious if you can’t find the same deal anywhere else.

It may cost you more money to buy from a real seller, but this is safer than paying a fraudster.

Is the seller real?

 
Fake websites image

Stay clear of dodgy websites

Fraudsters know how to create a site that looks good, with offers that pull you in. 

If a website has many popular items for sale at very low prices, it could be a scam. If you’re unsure, use a website checker like the one on Get Safe Online.

 

 
Fake social media accounts image

Be careful of fraudsters with fake social media accounts

You can’t always trust what’s on social media. Good reviews, pictures and followers can be false, and even recommendations may lead to a fraudster.

Genuine sellers would let you see an item before you buy, but fraudsters won’t. They’ll want you to pay upfront and in a way that offers no protection.

Learn more about social media scams

The most common items fraudsters sell

Fashion

Designer clothes and trainers are popular items and common for fraudsters to sell.

Can you pay by card? Is the item available elsewhere at the same price? If not, it could be dodgy.

Vehicles

The DVLA website lets you check a vehicle for free.

Before buying a vehicle, inspect it and have a test drive. The vehicle may be real, but the advert could be fake. Fraudsters often promise to deliver a vehicle or a vehicle part if you pay upfront.

Tech

Computers, game consoles and smart phones may be cheap for a reason.

Be suspicious if you can only pay by bank transfer.

Holidays

Avoid a holiday or rental nightmare - Don’t get burnt by offers that are too-good-to-be true.

Learn more about holiday scams

Tickets

Tickets for sold out or popular shows and events may tempt you. Beware of fake tickets that might not get you in.

Learn more about ticket scams

Learn about other scams and how to protect yourself

Learn about the latest scams

Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to try to steal your details and money. Discover which scams are common right now.

Go to latest scams

Have you been targeted by fraudsters?

Contact us right away if you think you've been scammed. We can then guide you on what to do next.

Contact us now

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Find out how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud