All Argos shoppers are being advised to follow three new rules as an urgent warning is issued about rising scams targeting the retailer's customers. The famous Argos brand is being exploited by hackers, with attacks on the increase.
Growing Trend in Scams
Anyone who shops at Argos and holds an online account with the UK retailer must stay alert and adhere to some simple new guidelines. This advice comes from the City of London Police and the team at Report Fraud, who have identified a growing trend in Argos customers being scammed. So, what is happening, and how can you protect yourself?
It appears that online criminals are using login details obtained through recent data breaches to access accounts and place unauthorized online orders. To make matters worse, these fraudulent orders are often fulfilled through click and collect, allowing offenders to retrieve goods in person using someone else's account.
Surge in Reports
This type of scam is clearly gaining traction, with Report Fraud stating it received a total of 652 reports in May 2026 that mentioned Argos. That represents a staggering 323 percent increase compared to April. Argos has been contacting customers who may have been affected and continues to work closely with partners and shoppers to help protect accounts and prevent further incidents.
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Kettle, Head of Crime Services at Report Fraud, said: "Report Fraud urges anyone with online retail accounts to remain vigilant and be alert to any unusual or suspicious activity. It is essential to take appropriate steps to protect your accounts by following Report Fraud’s guidance. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Report Fraud via reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040."
Three Simple Rules to Stay Safe
If you are concerned by this news, you can keep yourself protected by following three simple rules:
- Reset passwords: Report Fraud says customers should reset passwords if any unauthorized activity has been spotted on accounts. You should also do this for any accounts that use the same password. A good way to ensure your passwords are secure and strong is to combine three random words to create a unique password. Opt for a passkey if you can.
- Enable 2-step verification (2SV): Whenever available, protect your online accounts by enabling 2-step verification.
- Avoid saving bank details: If you decide to create an account for a store you’re buying from, do not allow them to store your bank details for future purchases.
If you have been a victim of fraud, you should report it to Report Fraud via their website at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you live in Scotland, call 101.
