Barclays Scams Bulletin: Online marketplace scams on the rise, as scammers target buyers looking for spring deals

• Barclays data shows three quarters of scam claims made by younger shoppers originated on an online or social media marketplace
• Two in five UK adults have fallen victim to, or know someone who has been targeted by a marketplace scam
• Consumers want tech companies to do more to prevent fraud on their platforms as three quarters call for action
• The Barclays Scams Bulletin tracks scam data across personal and business current accounts, paired with expert commentary from Barclays digital safety experts

The latest Barclays Scams Bulletin shows that online marketplace scams are on the rise as fraudsters increasingly target shoppers seeking deals on these platforms. The Bank is advising caution as decluttering for spring begins and is calling for tech companies to do more to stop scams at source.

New research from Barclays reveals one in four consumers (23 per cent) plan to sell their unwanted items on online marketplaces this spring¹.

However, the surge in popularity of these shopping platforms has meant fraudsters are employing tactics to exploit buyers and sellers online. Nearly two in five (38 per cent) consumers have either fallen victim to, or know someone who has been targeted, by an online marketplace scam².

Barclays data shows that of all scam claims made so far this year, almost half (49 per cent) were scams that originated on an online or social media marketplace, an increase of more than six percentage points compared to the same period in 2024.

Gen Zs most at risk

Younger generations are more likely to use online marketplaces to seek out a bargain and sell unwanted items. One in three of those aged 18-34 (30 per cent) say they shop on these platforms compared to one in five of those aged 55+ (18 per cent) ¹.

Older shoppers are also more wary of the potential pitfalls, with seven in 10 (71 per cent) reluctant to buy products via online social shopping platforms due to concerns around safety, quality and reliability³.

So far this year, Barclays scam claim data shows three in four (74 per cent) scam reports made by customers aged 20 and under originated on online or social media marketplaces, compared to 44 per cent among 51-60 year olds ⁴.

Buyers beware

More broadly, Barclays’ data shows purchase scams – where scammers trick shoppers into paying for a fake or non-existent items – many of which begin on marketplaces, have accounted for seven in 10 claims (71 per cent) so far in 2025.

In February, the value of the average purchase scam claim increased by around £250 year-on-year, indicating scammers are targeting higher value product purchases online.

Action needed from tech firms

Barclays is calling for more protection for its customers to guard them against fraud. More than three in four (77 per cent) consumers believe that technology companies must do more to prevent scams from taking place on their platforms, and two thirds (64 per cent) think they should be made to reimburse scam victims.

Kirsty Adams, Fraud and Scams Expert at Barclays said: “Online marketplaces are a great way to re-home unwanted items or to find sought-after goods at a discount, but they require a level of trust between buyer and seller that scammers are sadly exploiting.  

“We urge people to take their time when making purchases and to remember the timeless mantra – ‘if it looks too good to be true, it probably is’. No bargain is worth the risk of being scammed.

“The big tech firms must take more action to prevent scams from taking place on their platforms. We continue to work collaboratively with these companies and the government to stop scammers in their tracks”.

Kirsty’s top tips for staying safe when shopping on marketplaces:

1. Never disclose personal details: Your bank will never ask you for your debit or credit card PIN, your password, or your complete online banking login details – nor should a reputable seller.
2. Use secure and trusted payment methods: When paying for or receiving payment for an item, stick to the payment methods recommended by the online marketplace. If the site provides a secure payment method, then payment requests outside of this should jump out as a red flag.
3. Closely review the details of the seller or buyer before you engage: Look at their online reviews, and, if anything looks suspicious, consider taking a step back.
4. Take your time: When it comes to making purchases online, don’t be forced into hasty decisions.

For more information and advice on how to stay protected from fraud and scams, visit: barclays.co.uk/fraud-and-scams/

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

¹ Research carried out by Opinium between 21^st and 26^th February 2025, amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers aged 18+.

² Research carried out by Censuswide between 6^th and 10^th December 2024, amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers aged 16+.

³ Research carried out by Opinium between 24^th and 28^th January 2025, amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 consumers aged 18+.

⁴ Barclays data referenced in this release is based on Barclays business and personal current account customer scam data for January 2025 – February 2025.

For more information, please contact Risha Sharda at risha.sharda@barclays.com.

About Barclays

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