Online shopping scams have cost UK consumers millions of pounds over the past year, with 2.6 million people falling victim to fraud, according to new figures from Citizens Advice.
The charity handled more than 200,000 scam-related enquiries in the last 12 months, with online shopping fraud topping the list of criminal tactics. Victims lost an average of £1,700 each to fraudsters using fake websites, bogus investment schemes, doorstep cons and phishing attempts.
Criminals are exploiting Britain's growing reliance on digital shopping by creating fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers and sending unsolicited messages offering non-existent products at steep discounts. Many victims pay for goods that never arrive, with scammers particularly active during peak shopping periods like Black Friday and Christmas.
Citizens Advice is calling for stronger action from government, police and online platforms to tackle the fraud epidemic. The charity wants better collaboration to shut down scam operations and more public awareness campaigns to help people spot common tricks.
The Government has pledged to combat fraud through its National Fraud Strategy, but Labour has criticised the response as too slow. Opposition MPs are pushing for tougher rules on online advertising and social media platforms, which scammers frequently use to target victims.
The findings highlight the growing financial and emotional toll on households across the UK. Beyond direct losses, many victims report increased anxiety about online security, putting fresh pressure on politicians and industry leaders to strengthen consumer protection measures.