Check out 12 scams that criminals use to trick online shoppers
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Top 12 purchase scams:
The Ulster Bank Scamvent Calendar is filled with tips and information to help protect you from the most common purchase scams1. 41% of consumers have been approached by scammers during November and December as part of a purchase scam2. Over a third of us are anxious that we’ll lose money to a scam when present buying, especially when shopping online. So let us help you with how to spot a scam and top tips to avoid them2.
- Phones (26%) Scammers advertise high-demand smartphones at attractive prices. Once the consumer pays, they may receive a counterfeit or stolen phone, a completely different item, or nothing at all. These scams often occur on online marketplaces or through social media ads.
- Tickets, e.g. concert, theatre, gig tickets (23%) Fraudsters sell fake or non-existent tickets to events such as concerts, sports games, or theatre shows. Buyers either receive counterfeit tickets that are not accepted at the venue or no tickets at all, despite making a payment.
- Online vouchers or gift cards (23%) Fraudsters sell fake or invalid gift vouchers at attractive prices. Shoppers purchase these vouchers only to find that they cannot be redeemed. These scams often happen through fake websites, social media ads, or email offers.
- Laptops and tablets (21%) Adverts, often on social media, which appear to be from trusted retailers such as supermarket chains offering promotions on cut-price laptops from well-known brands – often described as inventory clearance. The ads direct interested buyers through to fake registration websites which steal personal details and payment card information.
- Clothing (19%) Fraudsters set up fake online stores or use social media to sell branded or designer clothing at low prices. Shoppers may receive counterfeit items, low-quality knock-offs, or nothing at all. The websites often disappear after a short period.
- Home tech appliances, e.g. vacuum cleaners, microwaves (15%) Scammers trick consumers into purchasing non-existent, counterfeit, or inferior home technology products through fake websites, misleading advertisements, and phishing schemes. This often results in financial loss and undelivered goods.
- Jewellery (12%) Scammers sell counterfeit or misrepresented jewellery as genuine items, often at inflated prices. They might use convincing photos, false certifications, or claims of authenticity to lure buyers. Once the purchase is made, the buyer receives jewellery of inferior quality or nothing at all.
- Video games (11%) Fraudsters take advantage of the popularity of video games, especially newly released or highly sought-after titles. They may offer these games at discounted prices or claim to have rare editions. Shoppers may receive counterfeit copies, different games, or nothing at all.
- Cars and other vehicles, e.g. campervans (11%) These scams involve fraudulent sellers posing as legitimate dealers or private sellers, offering vehicles at prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers may use fake listings, doctored vehicle history reports, or pressure tactics to get the buyer to pay upfront deposits or full payments without ever delivering the car.
- Watches (10%) Scammers advertise luxury or branded watches at significant discounts. Once the consumer pays, they may receive a counterfeit watch, a different item, or nothing at all. These scams often target buyers through online marketplaces or fake websites.
- Luxury handbags (9%) These scams target buyers looking for designer handbags, often at a discounted rate. Scammers may use fake websites, social media ads, or online marketplaces to sell counterfeit bags as authentic ones. Buyers may end up with a fake product or, in some cases, no product at all after making a payment.
- Trainers and shoes (9%) Fraudsters offer popular or limited-edition trainers and shoes at discounted prices. The buyer either receives counterfeit products that are of poor quality, a different product altogether, or nothing. These scams are prevalent on fake websites or through social media ads.
1. Top 12 list based on a sample size of 980 respondents who had themselves or know someone who has been targeted with for a purchase scam, to highlight the scams identified as being most prevalent. 2. Study of 2,000 Brits by OnePoll commissioned on behalf of NatWest Group in October 2024.
Top five tips
Here are our top five tips on how you can avoid losing money to a purchase scam.
- Consider where you are shopping: Be careful shopping on online marketplaces – look out for fake adverts and avoid clicking on any links or pop-ups. Always buy tickets from official sites.
- Check for spelling errors and odd-looking website addresses or links: Strange-looking web addresses and links can be a clue that a site isn’t genuine.
- Factor in price and payment method: Be wary if the price is unusually low versus the typical cost of the item. Just because a website accepts debit or credit cards doesn’t mean it’s real – and a request to pay by bank transfer is a definite red flag, so steer clear.
- Feeling rushed?: Is it a one-time only offer, or a deal that’s expiring soon? Criminals often try to rush you by creating a false sense of urgency. Take time to pause and reflect before parting with any money or personal information.
- Talk to friends and family: If you aren’t sure whether a purchase is the real deal, talk to people close to you for their opinion - and be sure to look out for your friends and family too
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