Buying online scams

Found just what you’re looking for at a bargain price? It could be a scam.

We’ll help you spot the warning signs and learn how to avoid the fraudsters.

 

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.

Warning signs

Too-good-to-be true?

Found just what you’re looking for at a price you can’t get anywhere else? That’s a sign of a scam.

Fraudsters hope that you’ll want to snap up a bargain or an item that’s selling out fast. Avoid handing over money quickly without having time to think it through.

Always take your time, even if you really want the item.

Can’t pay by card?

Fraudsters ask for upfront payment and want you to bank transfer because it’s harder to recover the money.

If the seller won’t let you pay by debit or credit card through a service that offers buyer protection, like PayPal Goods and Services, it’s most likely a scam.

Check review sites

Fraudsters can easily create their own site with fake reviews and business details. You can check independent review sites to make sure it’s genuine.

Look for bad reviews or even too many good reviews all appearing at once.

Can you view the item in person?

It’s wise to see an item in person, especially if it’s local, large or expensive. Social media can be deceptive, with good reviews, pictures and followers sometimes being fake. Even recommendations could lead you to a fraudster.

Genuine sellers usually allow you to inspect an item before purchasing.

Is it the real deal?

 
Fake websites image

Stay clear of fake websites

This website looks professional but has lots of popular items at very low prices. It’s a scam. If you’re not sure about a website, you can use a website checker like the one on Get Safe Online.

It’s safer to pay more money to a company you know is genuine than risk paying a fraudster.

 
Fake social media accounts image

Watch out for fake social media accounts

Fraudsters try to look like real sellers, with convincing social media profiles. They can fake pictures, reviews and even followers.

The best way to know if a seller is genuine is to see the item in person, especially if it’s local, large or expensive.

Discover more about social media scams

Common items fraudsters can sell

Fashion

Fraudsters pretend to sell designer clothes and trainers much cheaper than everywhere else. Watch out for websites that won’t let you pay by card.

Vehicles

Check the vehicle you’re buying for free on the DVLA website. If it’s real, it doesn’t mean the ad is too. Test drive and inspect it before you hand over any money.

Tech

Computers, smartphones or consoles at very low prices is a warning sign for fraud. And so is a seller asking you to pay by bank transfer.

Holidays

Don’t get caught out by fake listings at bargain prices. They can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare.

More about holiday scams

Tickets

Beware of fake tickets to sold out or popular shows. You might show up at the door and not be let in.

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

Discover how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

Discover how to spot and avoid scams, and how to report fraud.

Protect yourself from fraud