Purchase scams

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

An age old phrase that perfectly describes purchase scams. The target is lured in with an exciting offer, makes a purchase, and never receives what they paid for.

Emergency fraud support

If you need immediate support, you can reach our dedicated team 24/7.

Call 159

If you're in the UK

Message in-app

By tapping 'Support' > 'Report fraud'

How purchase scams often work

The scammer advertises a product or service Using fake websites, social media adverts or posts in online marketplaces

The target is convinced to buy what's advertised Often due to discounts and limited time offers

The target sends money to the scammer And never receives what they paid for

How to protect yourself from purchase scams

1. When you see an offer

Spot fake websites

Scammers can spoof genuine websites.

If you reach a site via a link, try and find the page again by searching for it through a trusted search engine.

Research social media adverts

Scammers can create fake brand adverts on social media.

Always check whether the advert has real people commenting on it, and is linked to a brand profile which seems genuine.

Don't trust big discounts

Scammers can use eye-catching discounts to gain your attention.

If something's being advertised at a very low price, particularly if there's a 'limited time offer' attached to it, be very cautious.

2. When making a purchase

Always pay by card

If you never receive what you paid for, you can use a goods and services chargeback via Mastercard.

This forces the merchant to prove that the goods or services were delivered, and to refund you if they can’t.

To do this with your Tide card, tap 'Support' > 'Report fraud' in your Tide app and select the 'Card' option. You'll be put directly in touch with our fraud team, who'll support you.

Be sure to do this within 120 days of making the purchase.

Be wary of bank transfers

To avoid receiving chargeback requests, scammers often demand you pay by bank transfer.

Be cautious of sellers who insist on bank transfers for payment, especially if they can't provide sound reasons for doing so.

There can be legitimate reasons for a seller to request payment by bank transfer, but only do this if you trust them 100% and have seen the goods in person.

View the goods in person

Where possible, always view the goods in person before making a purchase. This is particularly true when using online marketplaces.

If you can't do this, ask the seller to deliver the goods to you and pay them on delivery.

If this option is also unavailable, ask for the delivery details. The seller should be able to provide the name of the delivery company and a tracking reference number, which you can use to check whether the goods have been sent.

A purchase scam in action

This quick video shows how a purchase scam might happen, so you can be prepared in case you run into one.

What to do if you've been (or suspect you've been) targeted

Report it to Tide immediately By calling 159 from the UK, or tapping 'Support' > 'Report fraud' in your Tide app. Both options are available 24/7.

Raise a chargeback request if you've paid by card By tapping 'Support' > 'Report fraud' in your Tide app and selecting 'Card'. Our team will then support your request 24/7.

Find victim support groups There are many services set up to help people through the difficulties of being defrauded. We've listed resources you can access below.