Purchase scams
Purchase scams are common on marketplaces and social media. There are usually clear next steps.
Immediate action
Stop contact with the seller and gather your payment records.
Overview
Purchase scams involve items advertised for sale that do not exist or never arrive. The payment method used often affects what options are available.
Common warning signs
- Seller asks you to pay by bank transfer
- Price well below market value
- Pressure to pay quickly
- Listing removed after payment
What to do now
- 1Gather listings and receipts
- 2Contact your bank or card provider
- 3Report the listing to the platform
Evidence to preserve
- The advert or listing
- Messages with the seller
- Payment receipts
- Bank or card statements
Where to report
- Your bank or card provider
- Action Fraud
- The marketplace or platform
Fraud Victim Support does not replace an official police report.
What happens next
We will help you work out which route fits how you paid.
Optional legal support
Optional separate legal assessment may be available in some cases.
You are never required to instruct AY-Legal in order to receive initial support.
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Anonymous. No name, no contact details — just so we can make this clearer for the next person.