Buying online scams

If you buy things on social media or websites, then you may come across a scam. Fraudsters offer items that are fake or not real. They target anyone, even those that shop online regularly.

Would you like to find out how they tempt you and what you need to do to shop safely?

Protect your money: always pay by debit or credit card.

Buying on social media expandable section
Buying on websites expandable section

Buying on websites

It can be difficult to tell if a site is fake or a copy of a genuine site. Fraudsters know how to create a site that looks good, with offers that pull you into a sale.

Learn how to spot a site created by a fraudster so you can shop safely.

Fraudsters create their own websites

Check a site’s address to make sure it’s real. Fraudsters can’t copy a genuine site address, but they can create fake customer reviews and receipts. When you want to visit a site, type the address into your browser, it’s safer than using a link in a message. Only log on, enter details or buy something when you know a site is genuine.

Can you pay by card?

A scam site may seem real, but fraudsters always want you to pay by bank transfer as this is like giving them cash. A genuine company will let you pay by card or another way that protects your money. Fraudsters also create fake sites with fake payment pages just to steal your personal and banking details. If you enter your details, fraudsters can target you later on.

Do you have to pay right away?

If you have to rush to buy something because a sale ends soon, you may forget to do any checks. Countdowns to a sale ending could be a trick to put pressure on you to buy something that’s fake or doesn’t exist. Take your time. Check a site is genuine before you pay.

Fake sites have reviews and contact details

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. Remember, fraudsters may answer a phone call or reply to a message. But if a site won’t take payments by card or another way that protects your money, it’s a scam.

Is a price low or an item hard to find elsewhere?

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. Check if another site has a similar item and how much it is before you decide to buy. It may cost you more money to buy from a genuine site, but it’s safer than paying a fraudster.

A secure site will have a closed padlock image in the browser bar and have https:// at the start of its address. But these do not mean a site is genuine, so do your own checks to make sure it’s safe before you buy anything.

Never enter your bank PIN or bank password on a shopping site.

Buying on social media

How can you tell if an item is a good deal or a scam? It’s not easy. Fraudsters know how to use price and availability to get your interest in any item. Before you pay, check that an item and seller are genuine.

Fraudsters pretend to be genuine sellers

Social media and online marketplaces often fail to stop fraudsters from offering items for sale. Fraudsters may seem like other sellers, appearing friendly and giving away personal details to make you believe they’re genuine. All they want is for you to send money to their bank account. Fraudsters won’t let you pay by card or another way that protects your money.

Do you have to pay right away?

Fraudsters may tell you an item is going to sell soon to pressure you into paying quickly. Never rush to buy something, even if you really want it. Genuine sellers should let you pay by card or some way that protects your money. Ask to see an item in person, especially if it’s local, large or expensive.

Do you have to pay a bank account?

Paying a bank account is just like handing over cash. If it’s a fraudster’s account, you’ll never get it back. Fraudsters want bank transfers because it gives them immediate access to your money and it’s harder for it to be recovered. They’ll never let you pay by card or another way that protects your money.

How do you know that a seller is genuine?

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 often let you visit to see an item before you buy, but fraudsters won’t. Fraudsters want you to pay in a way that offers no protection.

Is a price low or an item hard to find elsewhere?

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 genuine seller, but this is safer than paying a fraudster.

Always pay by debit or credit card to protect your money. Or use a payment service that offers buyer protection.

The most common items fraudsters sell

If you can’t pay by card or find the same price elsewhere, then buy from a trusted seller with good reviews instead.

Other scams fraudsters use to trick you

Learn how fraudsters can offer fake investments and steal your money through social media or over the phone.