Is this online shop a scam?
Fake shops copy real brands or sell popular items at very low prices, often advertised on social media. You pay, and nothing arrives, or you get something worthless.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
Closing down sale! Designer trainers 85% off, today only. Free delivery. Pay by bank transfer for an extra 10% off.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- Prices far lower than anywhere else.
- The website is brand new. Our free checker tells you when a website was set up.
- It asks you to pay by bank transfer, cryptocurrency or gift card.
- No real contact details, or reviews only on its own site.
- Countdown timers and "only 2 left" pressure.
What to do
- Paste the web address into our free checker to see how old the website is.
- Look for reviews on other websites, not the shop's own.
- Pay by card or a trusted payment service, never by bank transfer to a shop you do not know.
- If you have paid, call your bank straight away.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- "Hi Mum, I've got a new number"
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.