What is a purchase scam?

A purchase scam uses an online sale to take your money or personal details dishonestly. Report Fraud describes shopping and auction fraud involving bogus websites and misleading messages. 1

The risk is not limited to a whole fake shop. A suspicious offer can also arrive through an advert or message. 1

By Secordit. Last checked: 7 November 2026.

Go to the steps · All glossary terms

How does it work?

  1. An online offer leads you towards a seller or payment page. 1
  2. You provide money or details without verifying the offer. 1
  3. The transaction exposes you to fraud rather than the expected purchase. 1

What Report Fraud describes

Report Fraud describes offer messages linking to fake websites designed to steal money and details. This is a published scam pattern, not an individual victim account. 1

What are the warning signs?

  • An unfamiliar seller cannot be checked independently. 1
  • The checkout asks for information unrelated to the purchase. 1
  • An unexpected offer links to a website you cannot verify. 1

What to do now

  1. Note the suspicious website address, then close the browser. 1
  2. Contact your bank about unfamiliar transactions or a suspected fraudulent payment. 12

UK reporting and support

  • If you paid a suspected scam, contact your bank using the number on your card. 23
  • Report fraud in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to Report Fraud. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. 34
  • If someone is in danger, call 999. 4
  • Forward suspicious emails to [email protected]. Forward suspicious texts to 7726. 5

How can you protect yourself?

  • Research unfamiliar sellers before buying. 1
  • Check the protections offered by your chosen payment method. 1
  • Use a different password for your email account. 1

Frequently asked questions

Is a purchase scam always a fake shop?

No. Report Fraud’s guidance also covers shopping messages and auction fraud. 1

Should a shop need my security answers?

Be cautious. Report Fraud says details such as a mother’s maiden name are not needed for a purchase. 1

What if I entered details but did not pay?

What happens depends on the information shared. Report Fraud advises watching transactions and contacting your bank about unfamiliar activity. 12

Matching kit

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

A printable UK checklist for 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. Report Fraud, Online shopping fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  2. Report Fraud, Ticket fraud. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  3. Report Fraud, Police impersonation alert and reporting routes. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  4. Police Scotland, How to report a crime. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).
  5. GOV.UK, Avoid and report internet scams and phishing. Accessed 7 November 2026 (Europe/London).