Your recourse after a fraudulent purchase
Falling victim to a purchase scam can be a frustrating and disheartening experience. If you’ve been deceived by a seller, you have options.
What are purchase scams?
Purchase scams are a growing form of online fraud where criminals deceive you into paying for goods or services that you will never receive. They use a combination of deceptive advertising and social engineering to create an illusion of a legitimate transaction.
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The payment method
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Deceptive online advertising
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Unrealistic prices
How to identify purchase scams
Identifying the signs of a purchase scam
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How to protect yourself
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Platforms used for purchase scams
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Refund Agency can help
Why choose Refund Agency?
Your recovery is our priority. We provide every client with a personalized action plan and dedicated support from our specialists, available to you around the clock.
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Individual recovery strategies
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24/7 support for fraud victims
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FCA-regulated service
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Recovering over $33,000,000 for clients like you
Website purchase scams: FAQs
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Can purchase scams happen through websites?
Yes, fraudulent websites are a very common source of purchase scams. Scammers set up fake online stores advertising products at deep discounts to lure customers. People often take a risk on an unfamiliar website due to the potential savings, especially when the site looks professional and is promoted through paid social media ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
If you are considering a purchase from an unfamiliar website, conduct these checks to determine its legitimacy and avoid a scam:
Reviews – Search for the website on independent review platforms. A lack of reviews, or reviews that seem fake, is a major red flag.
Spelling errors – Websites created in a rush often contain spelling mistakes or have unusual errors in the website URL itself.
Payment methods – If the website lacks secure payment options (like credit card gateways) or asks you to pay via bank transfer after contacting them by email, it is very likely a scam.
Contact details – A legitimate business will have a physical address and phone number. If only a contact form is available, be cautious.
Secure website – Look for a lock symbol next to the URL, which indicates the site is encrypted. However, as scammers can also obtain these certificates, this alone does not guarantee a website is legitimate.
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What are the first steps after a purchase scam?
If you believe you are the victim of a purchase scam, the first thing you must do is contact your bank immediately. They may be able to stop the payment if you act quickly, so it is always worth calling. If you paid with a debit or credit card, ask about their chargeback or fraud protection schemes. After contacting your bank, report the seller to the platform where the item was listed, such as Facebook Marketplace or eBay, to help prevent others from being scammed. Lastly, if you are unable to recover the money through your bank, contact us at Refund Agency. Our experts may be able to help you recover your lost funds.
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Will my bank refund me for a purchase scam?
It is unlikely that your bank will be held directly responsible if you are a victim of a purchase scam. These scams typically involve you being persuaded to voluntarily send money, which is different from unauthorized fraud where a bank’s security may have been breached. However, you should always contact your bank immediately. If notified soon enough, they may be able to prevent the payment from going through. Failing this, they can provide guidance on what to do next and inform you of any protections, such as chargeback schemes, that may apply to your situation.