Buying online scams

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

 

Don’t get ripped off

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

Always look for reviews you can trust to make sure a website or seller is genuine.

Never miss their tricks

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

 

 

 

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

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