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Fraud guide

Shopping scams

Tips to stay safe

Scammers can trick you into buying products that don’t exist or are wrongly advertised. Follow our 5 tips to avoid shopping scams.

  1. Use a credit or debit card to pay: these payment methods usually give you better protection, and you may be able to claim a refund. Avoid using a direct bank transfer.
  2. Always check if the website is secure: a web address should start with ‘https’ and have a padlock icon next to it. Scammers will often copy trusted websites to trick you.
  3. Keep your personal information secure: block browsers and shops from storing your payment details. Use ‘checkout as guest’ where possible and use different passwords for different accounts.
  4. Trust your instincts: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check online reviews for the site and take your time when making purchases.
  5. Complete your Security Profile: head to the My Security Profile in settings in your Mobile App. Here, you can set controls for your cards and find out about the latest scams.

How to spot shopping scams

Scammers use different ways to trick you into buying things that don’t exist. Here are the most common tactics.

  • Sales or auctions: be extra cautious of time-limited deals. Scammers can use them to pressure you into acting quickly.
  • Social media adverts: be cautious when scrolling on social media, don’t be caught out by ads that take you to fake retailer websites.
  • Online marketplaces: avoid sellers who won’t let you collect goods or inspect them first.
  • Paying a deposit: if you’re paying upfront, use the site’s recommended payment method and ignore any requests for alternative payment methods.