At Excel Currencies, we make it easy and secure for expats, immigrants, families abroad, and businesses to transfer money internationally with bank-beating rates and no hidden fees — ever. Whether you're buying goods from overseas sellers, paying for services abroad, or sending funds to family for shopping needs, these transactions can expose you to shopping fraud (also called purchase scams or remote purchase fraud) — where fraudsters take your payment for items or services that never arrive, or are counterfeit/fake.
Purchase scams accounted for the majority of authorised push payment (APP) cases with significant losses in remote/online purchases
Santander’s Quarterly Scamtracker reported lost to purchase scamps in Q1 2025 alone, while broader APP fraud (including shopping-related) reached hundreds of millions.
Citizens Advice research shows 26% of recent scam victims were hit by online shopping scams
and trends indicate rising losses from fake websites, marketplace fraud, and AI-enhanced tactics.
Remote purchase fraud has surged as criminals pivot from other areas due to stronger bank protections. Expats and those making cross-border payments are especially vulnerable: scammers target international buyers with fake overseas deals, counterfeit goods, or "urgent" family shopping requests that require quick transfers.
Contact UsFraudsters exploit the boom in online and marketplace shopping:
Professional-looking sites mimicking real retailers (e.g., Amazon, eBay clones) or social media listings offering huge discounts on tech, clothing, or electronics.
Deepfakes, realistic ads, or chatbots building trust; fake reviews and images.
Victims pay in advance (often via bank transfer) for goods/services never delivered — the most common APP type.
Scams on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or Depop with non-delivery, counterfeit items, or "too-good-to-be-true" deals.
Fake overseas sellers, "shipping issues" requiring extra fees, or family abroad "needing" money for purchases — leading to international transfers.
With over a quarter of UK retail sales online in 2025, and AI making scams more convincing, vigilance is essential.
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Spot these red flags before paying:
Massive discounts (e.g. high-end items at 70% off) or "limited time" urgency.
No video proof, avoidance of calls, or inconsistent stories about location/shipping.
"Customs," "shipping insurance," or "verification" payments after initial purchase.
Sellers asking for bank transfers, crypto, or direct payments instead of secure methods (e.g., PayPal, credit card).
URLs with misspellings, no HTTPS, or newly registered domains; fake reviews or contact details.
Overseas sellers promising "exclusive" items or family requests for money to buy goods — verify independently.
Use these 2025-updated tips from UK Finance, Action Fraud (now Report Fraud), Citizens Advice, and the Take Five campaign:
Stick to well-known retailers or use protected platforms (e.g., Amazon, eBay with buyer guarantees). Pay with credit card for Section 75 protection (£100–£30,000) or debit for chargeback.
Check seller ratings/reviews independently; reverse image search photos; use tools like ScamAdviser for sites.
For online buys or overseas payments, use secure, traceable methods. Never pay via wire for unverified personal sellers.
When sending money abroad for shopping/family purchases, confirm details verbally (not just text). Use regulated providers — pause if anything feels off.
Use strong passwords/MFA; avoid sharing card details on unsecured sites; monitor statements.
If scammed, contact your bank to stop/reclaim funds, then report to Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040). Act fast for reimbursement chances.
Contact your bank to freeze accounts,
then report to Action Fraud and seek support from Victim Support.
Cross-border shopping or sending funds for overseas purchases is common — but scammers exploit trust and distance. Falling victim can lead to lost money, delayed plans, or complications with international finances. Staying protected ensures your transfers go to genuine needs, not fraudsters.
At Excel Currencies, we prioritise security:
bank-grade encryption, no unexpected requests for details, and personal service from real humans who understand expat/international needs. We support safe transfers — but always advise verifying purchases independently.
Shopping fraud thrives on impulse and trust — but pausing to verify stops most attempts. In 2025, with rising online threats, take that extra step. Your money and peace of mind deserve it.
Questions about secure international transfers?
Contact our team today — our team is here with transparent, trustworthy help.
Contact our team today
