Shopping on Social Media: How to avoid being ripped off

In the social media age, the problem of dodgy retailers and scam sellers has exploded.

The way we shop has fundamentally changed: following the pandemic and the death of the British high street, people who may once have been sceptical about buying things online have been forced to embrace e-commerce out of necessity.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have become popular marketplaces for buying and selling goods.

Online shopping certainly has many benefits. It is after all, much easier to order things from the comfort of your sofa. Most retailers have tried to ensure the best customer experience, with clear processes and generous windows for returns and exchanges.

But in some cases, things are not always what they seem. The convenience of online shopping comes with risks.

Social media shopping scams

According to data from UK Finance, 76% of authorised push payment (APP) fraud – when criminals manipulate victims into sending money under false pretences – originated online in 2023. While you can sometimes claim back money lost to online scams from your bank, many people never see their hard-earned cash again.

At Resolver we’ve heard from hundreds of people over the years reporting online shopping scams that targeted them on social media platforms.

These scams involve goods advertised via platforms like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok that aren’t even remotely what they claim to be. Some shocking examples include:

A kitchen table and chairs advertised with pictures of a happy family sitting around it, which turned out to be for a doll’s house when they were delivered!
A machine that fires balls for your dog to chase, sold with an advert showing a machine industriously firing away for various deliriously happy dogs. The purchaser was sent a tennis ball in a plastic bag. The ball didn’t even bounce.
A man who purchased an electric bike online for £99 only to be sent a life-size cardboard cut-out of an electric bike.
A range of people buying refurbished smartphones only to be sent pictures of the phones from various angles.

How is this legal?

In short, it’s not. The problem is that many of these sellers are based abroad and though their adverts look professional, they’re actually cheap and easy to fake.

Sellers like this are con-artists who can vanish and reappear in other guises faster than you can blink. Astoundingly, some of these retailers are semi-official and brazenly respond to emails.

Many people wonder why these firms bother to send anything, when it’s quite clearly a rip off. The simple answer is taking money and not delivering anything is a direct criminal act. However, sending something that arguably meets the criteria – even if it’s bonkers – means it becomes more of a grey area in the eyes of the law.

How can I avoid being ripped off?

There are a number of things you can do to help you avoid being bamboozled by dodgy online sellers.

If you see an advert for goods that are too good to be true at that price, they probably are.
Don’t just click through a social media advert to make a purchase. See if the firm has a website first and then check to see where the seller is based. Just because the seller isn’t based in the UK, it doesn’t mean it’s not legit – but it can be harder to resolve a dispute if the goods aren’t as advertised or are broken.
Before you click to confirm, always check the returns policy of a retailer. If it’s not clear, email the seller to find out what you’d be expected to do if there’s a problem.
If you get scammed, contact your bank and ask them to ‘charge back’ your cash. It’s not always guaranteed but it’s worth a go. This only works if you pay by debit or credit card though.

1. Research the seller

Before making a purchase, take time to verify the seller’s credibility. Look for a verified accounts or well-established profiles with active engagement and multiple customer reviews. Take a proper look at product images to ensure they are consistent and realistic rather than stock photos or AI generated images.

Avoid sellers with minimal information, no customer feedback, or newly created profiles, as these can be red flags.

2. Read reviews

Check for customer reviews and comments on the seller’s posts. As well as negative reviews mentioning scams, late deliveries, or poor product quality, be wary if there are no reviews or only a few overly positive ones. If comments are turned off or deleted after complaints, then you should run a mile.

Additionally, search the seller’s name or business on Google and forums to check if others have reported fraudulent activity.

3. Avoid unrealistic deals

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers lure buyers with extremely low prices for high-end items. Be cautious if prices are significantly lower than retail value and there are no detailed descriptions or specifications for the product.

4. Use secure payment methods

Never pay using methods that don’t offer buyer protection, such as direct bank transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Instead, opt for PayPal (using the “Goods and Services” option for buyer protection), Credit cards, which often provide fraud protection, or Payment-on-delivery options where available.

Avoid sending money through apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle unless you completely trust the seller.

5. Beware of fake tracking and receipts

Some scammers provide fake tracking numbers or doctored receipts to make it seem like an item was shipped. Verify tracking numbers directly on the official carrier’s website rather than trusting screenshots or messages from the seller.

6. Check return and refund policies

Legitimate sellers usually have a clear return and refund policy. Be cautious if the seller does not accept returns or refunds for defective items, policies are vague or the seller refuses to communicate about return procedures before the purchase.

7. Arrange for local pickups (if possible)

If the seller is nearby, meeting in person at a public place can be a safer option. When doing so choose a well-lit, busy location like a coffee shop or police station, bring a friend or let someone know where you are going, and make sure you inspect the product before handing over any money.

8. Watch out for phishing and fake websites

Some scammers redirect buyers to fake websites designed to steal payment details. Protect yourself by checking that the website URL matches the official seller’s page and look for HTTPS in the web address for security.

Avoid any links sent via direct messages from unknown sellers.

9. Trust your instincts

If something feels off, trust your gut. Common warning signs include:

High-pressure tactics urging you to buy immediately.
Inconsistent or evasive responses from the seller.
Requests for personal information beyond what’s necessary for the sale.

Stay savvy and safe

Buying on social media can be convenient and rewarding, but it also requires vigilance.

By researching sellers, using secure payment methods, and being cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, you can significantly reduce the risk of being scammed. Always prioritize security and trust your instincts when making purchases online.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any other consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch with us at support@resolver.co.uk.

If you have a complaint because your purchase isn’t up to scratch, Resolver can help. Start your complaint for free.