What is a fake online shop?

A fake online shop is a website set up to take payments or personal details under false pretences. It may copy a real retailer’s branding or advertise goods it will not supply. A polished advert does not prove the seller is genuine, so check the shop independently before giving payment information. 12

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How it works

  1. An advert or message promotes attractive products or prices. 12
  2. It leads to a website pretending to be a genuine retailer. 12
  3. The site takes money or details without providing the promised purchase. 12

Real UK example

Which? investigated adverts impersonating Lidl in November 2025. The adverts led to a recently registered site with no contact details or terms.

The listed address led to an empty car park. Lidl confirmed it was not associated with the adverts, and Which? reported them and the website. 1

Warning signs

  • A familiar retailer appears on an unfamiliar web address. 12
  • The shop has no usable contact details. 12
  • An advert’s offer cannot be found on the retailer’s genuine site. 12
  • An implausible price pushes you to pay before checking. 12

What to do now

  1. Stop payment if you have not paid and check the retailer independently. 1234
  2. If you paid or see an unrecognised transaction, contact your bank or card issuer. 1234
  3. Keep the advert, order details and website address for your report. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If money has gone or banking details were shared, call your bank using the number on your card. Or use 159 if your bank participates. 345
  • Report fraud or hacking in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 46
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 6

How to protect yourself

  • Reach known shops through their genuine app or saved address. 12
  • Check contact and company details before an unfamiliar purchase. 12
  • Do not treat an advert’s presence on a large platform as an endorsement. 12

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Which? found adverts using Lidl branding that Lidl said were not associated with it. 1

Is every late delivery a scam?

No. A delivery or product dispute with a genuine business is not automatically fraud. Explain the circumstances to your bank. 3

What should I do after paying a fake website?

Contact your bank or card issuer and keep evidence. The options depend on the payment and circumstances; do not assume money will be returned. 13

Matching kit

After a Scam: What to Do First · £7 · Digital download.

A printable UK checklist for the money, account and reporting steps. It is general information, not a recovery service.

General information, not legal, financial or personalised security advice. Secordit is not a police or bank reporting service.

News Pulse

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Sources

  1. Which?, Scam alert: fraudsters impersonate Lidl in a series of fake ads - Which?. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Which?, Scam websites: Tesco, Amazon and Boots impersonation warning - Which?. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. UK Finance, Authorised Push Payment Fraud Reimbursement | UK Finance. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Report Fraud, Report Fraud alert: Police forces being impersonated in scam calls using ‘spoofed’ phone numbers - Report Fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. Stop Scams UK, 159 Phone number - Stop Scams UK. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  6. Police Scotland, How to report a crime - Police Scotland. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).