Purchase 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.