Lloyds Bank Issues Urgent Black Friday Scam Alert
Shoppers across the UK are being warned to exercise extreme caution when hunting for online deals this Black Friday, as new data from Lloyds Banking Group reveals customers have already reclaimed a staggering £2 million through chargebacks in the first nine months of 2025.
The bank's fraud prevention team has issued the alert ahead of the peak shopping period, highlighting how criminals are creating sophisticated fake websites and social media adverts to trick bargain-hunters. The data, covering January to September 2025, shows the average disputed transaction was £35.
How the Scams Operate
According to Lloyds, fraudsters are specifically targeting high-demand products such as Labubu dolls, Jellycat toys, and luxury advent calendars. They also focus on perennial Christmas favourites like jewellery, perfume, and the latest gadgets.
These scam websites often appear legitimate, offering heavy discounts and using pressure-selling tactics to create a false sense of urgency. Shoppers who enter their payment details subsequently find that either the items never arrive or they receive cheap, poor-quality imitations. In some cases, victims discover unauthorised subscriptions have been set up using their details.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank, commented: "Everyone is busy hunting for the perfect Christmas gifts and, with so many deals, offers and choices popping up online, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Scammers know how to blend in on social media and the warning signs of a dodgy website or advert can be easy to miss."
Your Protection and Rights
A chargeback is a vital form of card payment protection that can help shoppers recover their money when purchases go wrong. If an item bought with a debit or credit card fails to arrive or is significantly not as described, customers can request a chargeback through their bank.
Lloyds has made this process more accessible, allowing customers to submit claims directly via its mobile app. For those who pay by credit card, there may be additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which can offer stronger safeguards for purchases over £100.
Six Essential Tips for Safe Online Shopping
To help consumers avoid becoming the next victim, Liz Ziegler offers this expert advice:
- Check the website address carefully to ensure you are on the retailer's official site before entering any payment information.
- Be wary of ads and social media posts. If you see a tempting deal, search for the retailer independently to verify its legitimacy.
- Remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Massive discounts on sought-after items are a major red flag.
- Read the small print, especially on 'free' offers which can hide subscriptions or extra charges.
- Look for independent reviews from other customers before committing to a purchase.
- Report anything suspicious immediately. If something goes wrong, contact your bank straight away. This not only helps you but can also protect others.
With spending expected to surge as Black Friday (November 28) approaches, this warning serves as a timely reminder for all consumers to shop smart and stay safe online.
