Don’t let scammers steal your Christmas cheer: how to avoid purchase scams this festive season

From hunting down the perfect presents, to chasing the best deals, as we start our Christmas shopping, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement.

But unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when scammers come out in force.

TSB is warning shoppers to be extra careful this festive season as purchase fraud is on the rise.

Fraudsters take advantage of the holiday rush, setting up fake listings, creating pressure to ‘buy now’, and tricking you into paying for things that don’t even exist.

What are purchase scams?

Purchase scams are when someone tricks you into paying for goods or services that don’t actually exist. You might think you’re buying concert tickets, a pair of trainers, or even a new puppy, but after you send the money, the seller disappears.

According to TSB, these scams made up a huge 63% of all bank transfer fraud cases reported between January and September 2025. That’s up from 52% in the same period last year.

Not only that, but the number of purchase fraud cases is up by 11% year-on-year, with victims losing an average of £452 per scam.

Most common purchase scams

Scammers are clever, they know what people are shopping for. Some of the most common fake listings TSB has seen include:

• concert and football tickets
• trainers
• toys
• home repairs
• games consoles and tech
• vehicle deposits and car parts
• deposits for pets, especially cats and dogs

If you see a deal that’s hundreds of pounds cheaper than everywhere else, that should set off alarm bells.

How you can protect yourself this Christmas

Here are some ways to help protect yourself from purchase scams as you do your Christmas shopping.

• Do your research - always check the seller’s ratings, feedback, and history.
• Avoid clicking links in messages - go directly to the retailer’s official website instead.
• Be cautious on social media - many scams start with tempting ads or posts that lead to fake pages.
• Double-check the web address - look for small spelling errors or unusual domains, as they’re a red flag.
• Pay securely - use credit cards or trusted digital wallets that offer protection if things go wrong.
• Keep your accounts safe - use strong, unique passwords and turn on multi-factor authentication.
• Don’t rush - scammers often create a sense of urgency to stop you from thinking clearly.
• Update your tech - make sure your antivirus and operating systems are up to date.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you think you’ve been caught by a purchase scam, don’t panic, but act fast:

• Contact your bank immediately - if you have lost money or your financial details have been compromised, notify your bank or card issuer right away.

Reporting scams can save other people from getting tricked. Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam, as they’re designed so that anyone can fall for them.

• You can report the scam to Citizens Advice and they’ll pass information onto Trading Standards who will decide whether or not to investigate.
• It’s also a good idea to report scams to Action Fraud on their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
• If you spot an online scam advert, you can report it to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Find out more about how to protect yourself in our guide on how to outsmart online scammers.