Phones – 26 per cent
Scammers advertise high-demand smartphones at attractive prices. Once the victim pays, they may receive a counterfeit or stolen phone, a completely different item, or nothing at all. These scams often occur on online marketplaces or through social media ads.
Tickets (e.g. concert, theatre, gig tickets) – 23 per cent
Fraudsters sell fake or non-existent tickets to events such as concerts, sports games, or theatre shows. Victims either receive counterfeit tickets that are not accepted at the venue or no tickets at all, despite making a payment.
Online vouchers or gift cards – 23 per cent
Fraudsters sell fake or invalid gift vouchers at attractive prices. Victims purchase these vouchers only to find that they cannot be redeemed. These scams often happen through fake websites, social media ads, or email offers.
Laptops and tablets – 21 per cent
Adverts, often on social media, which appear to be from trusted retailers such as supermarket chains offering promotions on cut-price laptops from well-known brands – often described as inventory clearance. The ads direct interested buyers through to fake registration websites which steal personal details and payment card information.
Clothing – 19 per cent
Fraudsters set up fake online stores or use social media to sell branded or designer clothing at low prices. Victims may receive counterfeit items, low-quality knockoffs, or nothing at all. The websites often disappear after a short period.
Home tech appliances (e.g. vacuum cleaners, microwaves) – 15 per cent
Scammers tricking consumers into buying non-existent, counterfeit, or inferior home technology products through fake websites, misleading ads, or phishing schemes, often resulting in financial loss and undelivered goods.
Jewellery – 12 per cent
Scammers sell counterfeit or misrepresented jewellery as genuine items, often at inflated prices. They might use convincing photos, false certifications, or claims of authenticity to lure buyers. Once the purchase is made, the buyer receives jewellery of inferior quality or nothing at all.
Video games – 11 per cent
Fraudsters take advantage of the popularity of video games, especially newly released or highly sought-after titles. They may offer these games at discounted prices or claim to have rare editions. Victims may receive counterfeit copies, different games, or nothing at all.
Cars and other vehicles (e.g. campervans) – 11 per cent
These scams involve fraudulent sellers posing as legitimate dealers or private sellers, offering vehicles at prices that seem too good to be true. Scammers may use fake listings, doctored vehicle history reports, or pressure tactics to get the buyer to pay upfront deposits or full payments without ever delivering the car.
Watches – 10 per cent
Scammers advertise luxury or branded watches at significant discounts. Once the victim pays, they may receive a counterfeit watch, a different item, or nothing at all. These scams often target buyers through online marketplaces or fake websites.
Luxury handbags – 9 per cent
These scams target buyers looking for designer handbags, often at a discounted rate. Scammers may use fake websites, social media ads, or online marketplaces to sell counterfeit bags as authentic ones. Buyers may end up with a fake product or, in some cases, no product at all after making a payment.
Trainers and shoes – 9 per cent
Fraudsters offer popular or limited-edition trainers and shoes at discounted prices. The buyer either receives counterfeit products that are of poor quality, a different product altogether, or nothing. These scams are prevalent on fake websites or through social media ads.
