Purchase Scams
Recover funds lost to a Purchase scam
If you’ve lost money after purchasing goods or services that were never delivered or were misrepresented, you’re not alone. In some cases, it may be possible to investigate what happened and explore recovery options.
No upfront fees | Confidential assessment
Recover Funds Lost to a Purchase Scam
If you’ve lost money after purchasing goods or services that were never delivered or were misrepresented, you’re not alone. In some cases, it may be possible to investigate what happened and explore recovery options.
No upfront fees | Confidential assessment
How it works
A clear, structured approach to fund recovery
No upfront fees | Confidential assessment
Our team handles each stage of the recovery process with care and precision — from initial assessment through to resolution. There are no upfront fees, and you’ll always know where you stand.
What is a
Purchase scam?
A purchase scam happens when you’re tricked into paying for goods or services that are never delivered, are significantly misrepresented, or don’t exist at all.
These scams often occur when buying items online through marketplaces, social media, fake websites, or classified ads. Fraudsters may pose as legitimate sellers, create convincing listings, or pressure you into making a bank transfer before disappearing once payment is made.
In many cases, victims authorise the payment themselves, believing the transaction is genuine. This type of fraud is commonly linked to authorised push payment (APP) scams.
If you’ve lost money in this way, it may still be possible to investigate what happened and explore potential recovery options.
How to spot a Purchase Scam
If any of the situations below apply to you, it may indicate that you were the victim of a scam or that key warning signs and risks were not properly identified or explained.
PRESSURE AND
URGENCY
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to push you into making quick decisions. Legitimate sellers will not pressure you to complete a payment immediately.
UNEXPECTED
CONTACT
Be cautious if you are contacted unexpectedly about a product or offer, especially via social media, messaging apps, or email.
REQUESTS FOR
PAYMENT
Genuine sellers will not ask for payment in unusual ways or demand immediate transfers without proper confirmation.
REQUESTS FOR
PERSONAL DETAILS
Scammers may ask for personal or banking information to “process” a purchase. Trusted sellers do not request sensitive details unnecessarily.
Instructions to Keep
It Confidential
Being told not to discuss a purchase with anyone else is a common tactic used to prevent you from seeking advice or verification.
UNUSUAL PAYMENT
METHODS
Requests for cryptocurrency, gift cards, or direct bank transfers are a strong warning sign. These payment methods are often difficult to trace or recover.
Key Warning Signs
Common types of Purchase Scams
PayPal Scams
Fraudsters may misuse PayPal by asking buyers to send money via “Friends and Family,” which offers no buyer protection. Others may claim items have been shipped using false tracking information. Once funds are sent, recovering them can be difficult.
eBay Scams
Although eBay provides buyer protection, scams still occur. Common tactics include requesting payment outside of eBay to avoid fees or providing fake tracking details. Always use secure payment methods and verify seller reviews before completing a purchase.
Instagram and TikTok Scams
Scammers frequently create fake social media profiles posing as legitimate sellers or brands. These accounts may advertise popular or luxury items at discounted prices. Victims often receive counterfeit goods, poor-quality items, or nothing at all after payment is made.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
While Facebook Marketplace can offer genuine bargains, it is also heavily used by scammers. Fraudsters often advertise high-value items at attractive prices and request deposits or full payment upfront. Buyer protections are limited, so caution is essential when dealing with private sellers.
Car Purchase Scams
Vehicle scams often involve sellers advertising cars they do not own or misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition. Victims may be pressured to pay a deposit before viewing the car. Always inspect vehicles in person and verify ownership before transferring any money.
Holiday and Travel Scams
Fake holiday deals, accommodation listings, or travel packages are commonly promoted online. These offers often appear significantly cheaper than market value. After payment, the booking may not exist, leaving victims without accommodation or refunds.
Puppy and Pet Scams
Scammers advertise pets for sale that may not exist or are misrepresented. Buyers are often asked to pay deposits upfront, sometimes followed by additional fees for transport or vaccinations. In many cases, no pet is ever delivered.
Common Fraud Structures
Specialist Claim Categories
Financial & Fraud Compensation Claims
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Tremont Legal provided fantastic support from start to finish. The team was professional, clear, and always kept me updated. I highly recommend their services.
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The team was incredibly supportive throughout. They answered all my questions and guided me every step of the way. I’m very happy with the outcome.
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I’m extremely happy with the service I received from the team. The team was very helpful in understanding my situation. Thank you again for the help.
What Our Clients Say
Client Testimonials
Tremont is a specialist claims management company focused on financial and scam-related claims. We support individuals who believe they were misled, misinformed, or treated unfairly — helping them understand their position and pursue appropriate redress
Frequently Asked Questions
Need More Information
Each case is different. We begin by reviewing the circumstances of the purchase, how payment was made, and the parties involved. Where appropriate, we may investigate the transaction, liaise with relevant banks or payment providers, and assess whether recovery options are available under applicable regulations or protections.
A purchase scam occurs when someone pays for goods or services that are never delivered, are misrepresented, or are sold fraudulently. These scams commonly involve online marketplaces, social media sellers, fake websites, or requests for payment through insecure methods such as bank transfers or cryptocurrency.
In many cases, yes. Even where a payment was authorised, it may still be possible to explore recovery options depending on how the scam occurred, the payment method used, and the protections available. Eligibility depends on the specific facts of the case and will need to be assessed individually.
