A purchase scam is when you buy something online, but you never receive the item.
We call this an Authorised Push Payment (APP) scam. Our APP scam page has all the info you need to keep safe.
How it works:
- This happens in many ways. It can be items sold on marketplaces, such as Facebook or eBay. Or things sold on social media sites by companies that look legit. And, it can even be holiday deals and tickets for the latest gigs or football matches.
- You make the purchase and the items don't arrive.
How to avoid it:
- See before you buy. Don't transfer money before seeing the item you're buying. Especially from local Facebook pages or marketplaces.
- Buy tickets from official sites. Don't buy from social media or unofficial resellers. Nobody wants to be refused entry at the door.
- Be wary of social media adverts. Go directly to the retailer using a search engine instead.
- Don't bank transfer. If they don't accept credit card or PayPal, be suspicious.
- Buyer beware. Read the reviews. Try to identify the fake reviews from the genuine. Do your research.
