With prices of some trainers running into hundreds of pounds and high-profile ‘sneakerheads’ such as Kylie Jenner and Mark Wahlberg sporting their latest purchases online, trainers are big business. Now, scammers are cashing in on the clamour for the latest models, with reports of scams doubling this year.
Lloyds Bank says the volume of these reports made by customers has soared by 112% this year so far compared with a year earlier, with victims losing £152 on average. The figures are based on analysis of purchase scams reported by Lloyds Banking Group customers between January 2022 and April 2022, with comparisons made with data from the same period last year.
Purchase scams involve people being tricked into transferring money for goods or services, often advertised online or via social media, that may not exist or are shoddy or fake. Trainers and shoe scams are the most commonly reported type of purchase scam that Lloyds says it is seeing.
Read more: Emirates recruiting cabin crew in Newcastle - here's how you can apply
While fraudsters will advertise any brand they think might snare an unsuspecting victim, Lloyds said analysis of reported cases showed that Nike was among the popular brands whose merchandise scammers may falsely claim to be selling. Meanwhile, tickets scams have also exploded this year, as people are keen to attend events following the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions.
The number of purchase scams involving electrical goods is also up by over a third so far this year, with £174 the average amount lost. Lloyds says the Dyson Airwrap hairstyling tool is among the most common items being reported in this category at the moment.
Liz Ziegler, retail fraud and financial crime director, Lloyds Bank, said: “Fraudsters are always on the lookout for new ways to trick victims out of their hard-earned cash, and with designer trainers amongst the latest must-have items being targeted, the criminals are ready to hotfoot it away as soon as they have their hands on your money. Purchase scams come in all shapes and sizes, but the vast majority start with items advertised on social media, where it’s all too easy for fraudsters to use fake profiles and advertise items that don’t exist.
“When shopping online, the best way to keep safe is to buy from a trusted retailer whenever possible, and always pay by card for the greatest protection. If you’re unable to do those things, that should be a big red flag that you’re about to get scammed.”
Lloyds’ tips to stay safe from purchase scams:
– Use your debit or credit card when you buy online can help to protect your money should anything go wrong.
– Fraudsters often use social media to post scam offers. They can even send them straight to your inbox. Always search for deals yourself.
– Check any offer that comes by text or email to make sure it is genuine. Call the sender to find out using a number you trust, not necessarily the one in the message, or visit the website to check. Never click on a link without checking first.
– Low prices and great deals can hide scams. See if you can find them elsewhere. And remember, if an item is selling out, fraudsters can charge more to trick desperate buyers.
– Make sure a seller or website is genuine. Look for good reviews from different buyers. Be wary of mixed, bad or no reviews at all.
– Ask questions before you buy. If an item is expensive, offer to pay a deposit. If a seller cannot give any details about an item or tries to rush you into paying, it could be a scam.
READ NEXT:
