Purchase fraud is the most common type of fraud in the UK — accounting for nearly three quarters of all cases — and online marketplaces are the main hunting ground.
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What is happening?
Purchase fraud happens when you pay for something online and it never arrives — or does not exist. Fake listings for tickets, electronics, vehicles, and clothing are common on online marketplaces and social media selling pages. The seller takes payment and disappears.
Why does this scam work?
Listings often look genuine, with photos, descriptions, and sometimes fake reviews. Scammers create urgency — only one left, several people interested — to push you into paying before you have time to think.
Warning signs:
A price that seems significantly lower than elsewhere. A seller who asks you to pay by bank transfer rather than through the platform's payment system. Communication that moves away from the marketplace to WhatsApp or email.
What to do:
Always pay through the official payment system of the platform you are using — this gives you greater protection if something goes wrong. Use a credit card where possible. Be very wary of any seller who asks for a bank transfer. If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
