Last year, scammers stole an estimated £9.4 billion from UK consumers, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, and purchase scams were the most common type of fraud, affecting 45% of victims. But the good news is that just under half of the victims were able to recover all or part of their money.

How? By understanding the right steps to take in the aftermath of a scam, seeking qualified legal advice early, and acting without delay. This guide explains how you can take back control of the situation if you're ever targeted by a purchase scam, and give yourself the best chance of recovering any lost funds.

How do purchase scams work?

There are many types of purchase scams, and the tactics used by fraudsters vary depending on the goods or services on offer. But there are common patterns of behaviour that almost always indicate something's not right. Here's what to look out for.

The lure: A product is advertised at a price that's attractive but not unbelievable, often 20-40% below what you'd expect to pay. It appears on a platform you trust, or in an advert that looks professional.

The urgency: The scammer pressures you to act quickly. Other buyers are supposedly interested. The deal expires today. A deposit will "hold" the item, but only if you pay now.

The payment: You're steered towards a payment method that's hard to reverse, typically a direct bank transfer. Card payments and secure platform checkout processes are avoided.

The vanishing act: Once payment clears, the seller becomes uncontactable. Messages go unread. Phone numbers are disconnected. Listings and websites disappear.

Where do most purchase scams happen?

Purchase scams used to be advertised in the classified ads or via flyers and handouts, but today, almost all purchase fraud happens online. The popularity of online auction sites, social media marketplaces and e-commerce websites has created fertile ground for scammers to sell their fake goods and services. If you're making a purchase through one of the following channels, always proceed with caution.

Social media marketplaces

Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops and TikTok videos are all used by fraudsters to promote fake products or services. While you may trust the platform itself, it's easy for individual users to set up fraudulent offers and trick victims into buying before the page is shut down. Don't be swayed by seemingly high numbers of "likes" or positive comments either. These can be faked by bots or AI to make an offer look more legitimate.

Online classified or auction sites

Websites that allow users to list items for sale with minimal security or background checks are an ideal hunting ground for purchase scammers. Vehicles and electronic goods are popular categories on these types of sites, as they are high-value items that shoppers are looking for a bargain on. Be very careful dealing with sellers on these sites. If possible, always arrange to make the purchase offline, in a safe location, and don't go unaccompanied.

Fake or cloned websites

Fraudsters create professional-looking websites that mimic trusted retailers, often promoted through paid search ads or social media advertising. These sites may look identical to the real thing, but subtle differences give them away. For example, web addresses that are one or two letters different from the genuine website: "amazom" instead of "amazon". Or a lack of the usual options for card payments, with just an account number for direct transfers.

Red flags: signs that a "bargain" might really be a scam

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What to do if you've been scammed

If you suspect you've fallen victim to a purchase scam, taking the right steps quickly can significantly improve your chances of recovering funds. Here's what to do, and in what order.

Step 1: Contact your bank immediately

Call your bank's fraud team and report the payment. If you paid by bank transfer, request an urgent recall of the funds. If you paid by card, ask about initiating a chargeback or Section 75 claim. Time is critical. The sooner you notify them, the higher the chance of intercepting funds before they're moved.

Step 2: Stop all contact with the scammer

Do not respond to any further messages from the seller, and do not make any additional payments, even if they claim extra fees are needed to release or deliver the goods. Block them on all platforms.

Step 3: Preserve all evidence

Take screenshots of the listing, the seller's profile, all messages and emails, payment confirmations, and any website URLs. Save this evidence securely. It will be needed for bank complaints, police reports, and any legal proceedings.

Step 4: Report the fraud

Notify Report Fraud (online or by calling 0300 123 2040, or 101 in Scotland) and the platform where the listing appeared. If the scam involved a cloned website, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Step 5: Seek legal advice

If your bank refuses to reimburse you, or if the amount lost is significant, seek specialist legal advice. There may be legal routes available to trace and recover your funds, or to challenge your bank's decision.