Lloyds Bank has issued a stark warning to customers as it details the five most common purchase scams reported this year, with victims losing an average of £436.
The Top Five Scams Targeting Shoppers
The bank's fraud team identified a clear pattern in the most frequently reported cons. The leading scams involve vehicles, event tickets, clothing, and personal items like perfume or hair accessories. A notable surge was also seen in fraudulent driving lesson and driving test offers.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds, highlighted the seasonal risk ahead of Christmas. "We saw a surge in ticket scam reports this year," she said, pointing to sky-high demand for events like Glastonbury, the Oasis reunion tour, and major football matches. "This led people to seek out hard-to-secure tickets where they could. Scammers then struck through dodgy social media posts, fake websites, and online marketplaces."
Social Media: The Fraudster's Playground
Research from Lloyds underscores the dominant role of social platforms in facilitating fraud. The study found that over 90% of Oasis ticket scams originated on Meta-owned platforms like Facebook or Instagram. The average loss in these cases was £436—around £200 more than the typical concert ticket scam.
"Our data shows around seven in 10 online shopping scams start on Meta‑owned platforms," Ziegler stated. "These companies must act urgently to protect users, remove scam ads and stop profiting from fraud."
High Demand Creates Vulnerability
The warning extends beyond tickets. Ziegler explained that driving lesson and test scams proliferated due to high demand and long waiting lists. "People became more vulnerable to falling for fake posts on social media," she cautioned, advising the public to always use a reputable instructor and be wary of suspiciously cheap adverts or pressure-selling tactics.
With major upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and concerts from stars like Calvin Harris and Robbie Williams, the threat remains high. "Buying from authorised platforms is the only way to guarantee a genuine ticket," Ziegler emphasised. "If you’re approached on social media or asked to pay by bank transfer, it’s very likely to be a scam."
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
Ziegler's advice also covers other official processes. She urged people to be careful when seeking help online with visas or passport applications, noting that any offer to 'guarantee' documents for a payment is a scam. "Always visit official government websites for help with important documents and never follow links in unexpected emails or texts," she said.
Her central message is clear: social media is where people are at greatest risk. "These platforms are infested with fraudsters and scam content," she warned.
Ziegler concluded by calling for a united front against fraudsters: "Only by working collaboratively across the private and public sectors can we make real progress in the fight against fraud."
