Scam alert service

The need-to-knows when buying and selling online

Scams taking place on online retail websites are more common than we think, unfortunately. We’ve received multiple reports of a crafty scheme on Shpock, where ‘buyers’ attempt to trick sellers into handing over their bank details and transferring money directly.

Here are some examples of how this has been attempted as well as advice on staying safe when buying and selling online.

Avoiding scammers online

Five red flags that a loved one is being scammed

Scammers use every trick in the book to sound convincing and make their scams seem plausible. If one gets lucky – targeting the right person, in the right way, at the right time – anyone could fall victim to a scam. But these fraudsters regularly seek out older people because they’re more likely to live alone, have savings or valuables and are more likely to talk to them.

Help your loved one stay one step ahead of the scammers. Here’s a short video about the red flags to look out for that may suggest your friend or relative is being scammed.

Signs to look out for

There’s now a much easier way to make us aware of scams directly with our scam sharer tool. Tell us your experiences of phishing emails, fake texts, cold calls and other types of fraud.

Stay safe,

Which? scam alert team

PS Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.

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