Buying online scams

Before you buy anything online, make sure you know the methods fraudsters use to draw you into a sale.

 

Fraud is big business. Don’t be its partner in crime.

Fraudsters often advertise items like mobile phones and tickets at lower-than-normal prices, especially if they’re hard to find or sold out elsewhere.

Instead of getting a great deal, not only could you lose your money to an online scam, but it could also contribute to the funding of serious crimes.

Taking a risk on something that looks too-good-to-be true could have real-world consequences.

Never miss their tricks

Is it too-good-to-be true?

Fraudsters tempt you with low prices and items that are sold out or rare. There’s usually a good reason why you can’t find the same item elsewhere at the same price: because it’s a scam.

It’s better to pay more to a genuine seller than to lose your money, which could go onto funding organised crimes.

Check reviews

Reviews on a fraudster’s social media or website might be fake. But you can check independent review sites instead.

Look for bad reviews – or even too many good reviews posted at the same time.

Keep your cards close

Fraudsters want you to pay by bank transfer because it’s harder to recover your money.

Always use your debit or credit card or payment services that offer buyer protection such as PayPal Goods and Services.

Take your time

Scammers make you feel rushed by pretending someone else is interested in the same item. Or they might tell you it’s selling out fast.

They want you to hand over your money without taking time to think. Step back and check for warning signs before you buy.

See it to believe it

If the item is local, large or expensive, a real seller will let you see it in person before you buy.

If you are unsure the item is genuine, avoid making any payments.

 

If your money falls into the hand of a fraudster, it could be used to fund more serious crime.

Money lost to online scams such as sold-out tickets or the latest phone could be contributing to more sinister crimes, ruining the lives of people in vulnerable areas of the world. 

Instead of bagging a bargain, many customers are tricked into sending money to fraudsters which could contribute to funding organised crimes, such as illegal drugs, weapons and more.

Let’s work together to stop the cycle and avoid any deal that’s too-good-to-be true.

Ones to watch

Fashion

Designer clothes or trainers for a price you can’t get anywhere else? It’s a scam.

Vehicles

Check them out on the DVLA website and test drive them before you buy.

Tech

If the price if too-good-to-be true, it’s probably a scam.

Holidays

Book your flight and hotel with companies that are ATOL or ABTA protected.

Learn more about holiday scams

Tickets

Pay by debit or credit card through an official seller.

Learn more about ticket scams

The real deal?

 
Fake profile image

Fake profiles

Fraudsters make their social media profiles look convincing, with fake followers, pictures and reviews.

Always be cautious and think twice before interacting with unknown profiles or clicking on suspicious links. If something seems off, it probably is!

Spot the signs of a scam on social media

 

 

 
Fake websites image

Fake websites

Fraudsters can make websites look professional with made-up reviews. 

Watch out for offers on popular items that are too good to be true. If you’re still not sure, use a website checker like the one on Get Safe Online.

 

 

 

 

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

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

Protect yourself from fraud

Stay scam safe

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

Protect yourself from fraud