Fraud Blocker

Purchase Scam Claims: What Are Your Options?

Paid for goods or services that never arrived? Or bought something online that turned out not to be genuine? If so, you may have been affected by a purchase scam.

In some cases, you may be able to make a complaint and recover money lost. But this depends on how the payment was made and what happened at the time, and not all situations will result in a successful outcome. Understanding your position early can help you decide what to do next.

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scam and fraud claims support UK

Why Choose Compensation Adviser

If you’ve lost money through a purchase scam, understanding what happened and what steps may be available next isn’t always straightforward.

Compensation Adviser reviews each case individually, helping you assess your position and understand what can realistically be done based on your circumstances. You’ll receive clear, straightforward guidance to help you understand your options.

Compensation Adviser is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 829766) for claims management activities.

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We operate on a strict no-win, no-fee basis. You’ll only pay our 15%+VAT success fee if your claim is successful. Cancellation fees may apply (see full fee details below).

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What Is a Purchase Scam?

A purchase scam happens when you pay for goods or services that are never delivered, are significantly different from what was advertised, or do not exist at all.

These scams often appear convincing, using fake listings, cloned websites, or impersonating legitimate sellers. They are commonly seen across online marketplaces, social media platforms, and independent websites.

Purchase scams can affect anyone buying online, particularly where payments are made outside secure or protected platforms.

Purchase scams are one of the most common types of fraud and can affect anyone buying online. In fact, Santander reported that purchase scams are among the most common types of fraud, with millions lost in 2025.

How Purchase Scams Usually Work

Purchase scams are designed to appear legitimate, often using trusted platforms or professional-looking websites to build confidence.

Typically, the process follows a similar pattern:

  • A product is advertised at an attractive or discounted price
  • The seller encourages quick action, often citing limited availability
  • You may be asked to move communication away from the original platform
  • Payment is requested via bank transfer, card, or other methods
  • After payment, the seller may disappear or provide false information

In many cases, the scam only becomes clear once the item fails to arrive or communication stops.

Warning Signs of a Purchase Scam

While purchase scams can vary, there are some common signs that may indicate something isn’t right:

 

Prices that seem unusually low or too good to be true

Pressure to pay quickly or outside secure platforms

Sellers with little or no verifiable contact information

Poor spelling, inconsistent details, or copied product images

Requests for bank transfer instead of secure payment methods or buyer protection

New or unverified accounts with limited transaction history

What to Do If You’ve Been Affected by a Purchase Scam

Contact your bank or payment provider

Report the transaction as soon as possible to help prevent further loss

Gather and organise your evidence

Keep screenshots, emails, receipts, and any communication with the seller

Stop further payments or contact

Do not send additional money, even if pressured or promised a refund

Report the scam to relevant authorities

Inform Action Fraud or other official channels to create a record

Check your accounts for unusual activity

Monitor your bank and online accounts for any unauthorised transactions

Seek professional support if needed

Guidance can help you understand your options and next steps

Can You Get Money Back From a Purchase Scam?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether money lost to a purchase scam can be recovered.

In some cases, it may be possible to recover money lost, depending on how the payment was made and how the transaction was handled. However, not all cases will result in a successful outcome.

UK banks and payment providers are expected to have measures in place to help identify and prevent potentially fraudulent transactions. If concerns are raised about how a transaction was handled, this may be considered as part of a complaint.

Factors that can affect the outcome include:

  • The payment method used (such as bank transfer, debit or credit card)
  • Whether any warnings were provided before payment
  • How quickly the issue was reported
  • What checks were carried out by your bank or provider

Even if you authorised the payment, this does not automatically mean you are not able to raise a complaint. Different payment methods are treated differently, and each case is assessed on its own circumstances.

Because of this, understanding the details of your situation is an important first step in determining whether a complaint may be possible.

How Compensation Adviser Reviews Purchase Scam Claims

We understand that every situation is different, which is why our approach focuses on reviewing the details of your case before identifying possible next steps.

Our process typically includes:

  • Reviewing what happened and how the payment was made
  • Assessing the evidence available
  • Identifying potential complaint routes (such as banks or other providers)
  • Preparing and progressing the complaint where appropriate
  • Escalating complaints to relevant bodies (such as the Financial Ombudsman Service) if a resolution is not reached

Our role is to guide you through the process and help you understand your options clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can banks refund purchase scam payments?

In some cases, banks may refund scam payments, but this depends on how the payment was made and the circumstances involved. Each case is assessed individually and outcomes are not guaranteed.

What if I paid by bank transfer?

Bank transfer payments can be more difficult to recover, but complaints may still be possible depending on how the transaction was handled and what checks were carried out.

What if I paid by debit or credit card?

Card payments may offer additional protections in some cases. However, eligibility depends on the circumstances and how the transaction was processed.

Can I claim if I authorised the payment?

Yes, in some situations you may still be able to raise a complaint, particularly if the payment was made due to misleading or fraudulent information.

What evidence do I need to make a claim?

Evidence may include payment records, communications with the seller, and any documentation relating to the transaction. This helps assess whether a complaint may be possible.

Do I have to use a claims management company?

No. You can make a complaint yourself for free by contacting your bank, the Financial Ombudsman Service, or other relevant bodies.

Lost money to a scam?

If you’ve lost money through a purchase scam, you can request
a free, no-obligation assessment to help understand whether
a complaint may be possible based on your situation.

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important information about scam and fraud claims

Important Information

You are not required to use our services to pursue your claim. You can also seek further advice or shop around subject to any time limits within which a claim must be made.

It is possible for you to present the claim for free, either to the bank, business or person against whom you wish to complain or to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, whichever is applicable to your claim.