Online Shopping Security: How to Avoid Fake Voucher Sites & Scams

Online bargain-hunting is now the norm, but the same behaviour makes shoppers a soft target for fraudsters exploiting fake “deal” and voucher pages. The scale is significant: UK Finance’s latest Annual Fraud Report 2025 shows fraud losses still exceeding £1 billion in 2024, with millions of cases reported across card and online channels. Criminals increasingly push shoppers toward spoofed discount sites, phishing forms and “too-good-to-be-true” checkout prompts, often capturing one-time passcodes and card details for remote purchases. The good news is that most risks are avoidable with simple checks. This guide lays out the red flags, the practical steps to verify voucher codes, and what to do if you’re caught out—drawing on authoritative advice from the National Cyber Security Centre and Action Fraud. The aim is clear: help you save money safely, every time you shop.

The Rise of Fake Voucher Sites

The surge in online shopping has created fertile ground for scammers, and fake voucher sites are one of their most effective tools. Fraudsters know that consumers searching for discounts are more likely to take risks if they believe they are saving money. According to UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2025, “remote purchase” fraud remains the largest category of card fraud, driven by criminals exploiting e-commerce transactions. This includes scams where fake voucher portals encourage users to enter personal and payment details under the guise of unlocking deals.

The mechanics vary. Some sites clone legitimate voucher providers, while others bombard users with expired codes or intrusive pop-ups designed to redirect to phishing forms. A growing tactic is to request unnecessary personal details—such as mobile numbers or even card verification codes—before showing any offers. Once shared, that data can be used for identity theft or fraudulent transactions. News coverage of scam patterns highlights how criminals increasingly blend social engineering with fake “discount” branding to trick even savvy shoppers (Reuters, May 2025). The rise is clear: as more consumers hunt for vouchers, fraudsters have made discount scams one of their preferred entry points into victims’ wallets.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Scam Site

Spotting a fraudulent voucher site is often straightforward once you know the warning signs. The most reliable cue is the website address. If the URL looks unusual, contains spelling errors, or does not begin with https://, it should raise suspicion. Many scam sites also use domains that mimic well known brands by changing a single letter or adding extra words.

Other red flags include endless pop ups, intrusive redirects, or requests for personal information that is not needed to display a code. A genuine voucher platform will never ask for card details, bank logins, or one time passcodes. Poor spelling, broken layouts and missing contact information are further signs that the page is untrustworthy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises shoppers to close tabs immediately if they encounter these behaviours and only use sources that are clearly linked to trusted retailers or established voucher providers.

A useful habit is to check whether the site provides transparency features such as the date a code was last verified or whether there is an editorial team listed. Fraudulent operators rarely provide this level of detail. By running through a simple checklist before entering details or clicking through, consumers can avoid the majority of fake voucher scams online.

The Real Dangers of Fake Voucher Sites

The consequences of engaging with a fake voucher site can be serious. At the simplest level, you may waste time chasing non existent discounts. In more damaging cases, criminals use these sites to capture sensitive data, from email addresses and phone numbers through to full payment details. Once this information is obtained, it can be sold on criminal marketplaces or used directly for fraud and identity theft.

UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2025 recorded over 3.3 million cases of fraud in 2024 with losses above £1 billion, a reminder that these risks are not hypothetical. Citizens Advice also warns that online shopping scams often leave victims struggling to reclaim stolen money, with many unaware of their rights or how to report what happened (Citizens Advice).

Beyond financial loss, there is also the risk of malware. Some fraudulent voucher pages embed malicious code that can compromise devices and steal data in the background. Victims may not realise they have been targeted until weeks later when suspicious transactions appear on bank statements. These dangers underline why consumers must take online shopping security as seriously as any other area of personal finance.

Safe Shopping: How to Verify Voucher Codes

While fake voucher sites pose risks, there are clear steps you can take to ensure the codes you use are legitimate. Start by checking the retailer’s own website. Many brands publish current promotions on their official pages or through recognised affiliate partners. If a code cannot be traced back to the retailer, caution is warranted. Look for transparency features such as a visible date showing when a code was last checked or verified. Genuine providers make this information easy to find.

The Action Fraud service advises consumers to avoid clicking through from unsolicited emails or social media messages promising big discounts. Instead, type the address of a known voucher provider directly into your browser. The National Cyber Security Centre also recommends keeping your browser and security software updated, as well as using multi factor authentication where possible when making payments online.

Manual verification is one of the strongest protections. Some voucher platforms operate internal checks before publishing codes, removing expired or fake offers quickly. By choosing a provider that follows this process, you reduce the risk of being exposed to scams while still benefiting from genuine savings opportunities.

Recommended Trusted Sources

Consumers looking for reliable voucher codes and shopping advice should always start with recognised and trustworthy organisations. The most authoritative point of reference for reporting fraud is Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre. Their site provides guidance on how to spot scams and how to report suspicious activity if you think you have been targeted.

The National Cyber Security Centre also maintains a clear guide to shopping online securely, which explains safe browsing habits and how to check whether a website is genuine. For consumer rights information, Citizens Advice and Which? both offer detailed resources on refunds, dispute resolution and online purchase protections. The Metropolitan Police also provides online shopping safety tips.

Bookmarking these official resources ensures you always have access to up to date and verified information. Using a combination of trusted voucher providers alongside these independent advice services is the most effective way to save money while staying safe online.

Best Practices for Consumers

Building strong habits is the best defence against online shopping scams. The first step is to only use voucher sites you know and trust. Bookmarking them ensures you do not end up on a fake site through a search engine or social media ad. When entering a retailer’s website, type the address directly rather than clicking through random links, especially from unsolicited emails or messages.

Payment security is equally important. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends using credit cards or secure payment platforms, as these often provide extra protection if something goes wrong. Enable multi factor authentication on your accounts and keep your devices updated with the latest security patches to reduce the risk of malware or account takeovers. Avoid sharing one time passcodes or other sensitive data unless you are absolutely certain the request is legitimate.

Finally, know your rights. Under UK law, most online purchases come with a 14 day cooling off period, meaning you can cancel and request a refund in many cases (GOV.UK guidance). Familiarising yourself with these protections makes you a more confident shopper and reduces the likelihood of long term harm if you do encounter problems online.

What to Do if You Have Been Scammed

Even the most careful shopper can fall victim to a convincing scam. Acting quickly is essential. The first step is to stop using the site immediately and close the browser tab. Do not enter any further information and disconnect any payment methods linked to the suspicious activity. Next, change your passwords, especially if you used the same login details on multiple accounts. Use a strong and unique password, and enable multi factor authentication wherever possible.

Contact your bank or card provider straight away. Explain what happened and ask them to monitor your account for unusual transactions. Most banks can freeze cards instantly and may issue replacements. The UK’s official fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, provides an online portal and a helpline to file a report. Forward any scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious texts to 7726, a free reporting service run by mobile providers (Citizens Advice).

Keep a record of all communications, including screenshots of the site, emails, or text messages you received. This evidence can help investigators and may support any claim for reimbursement. Responding quickly and following the correct reporting steps improves your chances of recovering losses and prevents scammers from targeting others in the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions on Online Shopping Security

1. What are fake voucher sites and how do I spot them?

Fake voucher sites are fraudulent websites that pretend to offer discounts but instead capture your personal or financial details. Signs include unusual URLs, missing https://, poor grammar, and demands for sensitive information. The National Cyber Security Centre advises avoiding sites with excessive pop ups or that request card details just to view a code.

2. Is this discount or voucher website safe to use?

To judge if a voucher site is safe, check whether it is widely recognised, whether codes are dated or verified, and if the platform is transparent about who operates it. Always cross check with the retailer’s official website. Action Fraud provides guidance on avoiding suspicious shopping offers: Action Fraud Online Shopping Fraud.

3. How can I verify if a coupon code is still valid?

Genuine providers clearly display the expiry date of each code. If no date is shown, or if multiple codes never work, the site may not be reliable. Trusted platforms often carry notes such as “last checked on” to show manual verification. Retailers sometimes list their own codes on official promotions pages for extra assurance.

4. What should I do if I’ve been scammed by a fake voucher code?

Immediately stop using the website, change your passwords, and contact your bank to secure your accounts. Report the fraud to the UK’s national centre via Action Fraud. Forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and texts to 7726, as recommended by Citizens Advice.

5. Are there laws protecting consumers who fall victim to voucher scams?

Yes. If you paid with a credit card, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may entitle you to reclaim money from your provider if goods or services were misrepresented. You also have statutory protections under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Guidance on returns and refunds is available at GOV.UK.

6. How much money do UK shoppers lose each year to voucher or online shopping fraud?

UK Finance’s Annual Fraud Report 2025 recorded losses of over £1.17 billion across fraud cases in 2024, with more than 3.3 million incidents reported. Online shopping and remote purchase fraud remain the most common types of card fraud, highlighting why vigilance is vital.

7. Can unsolicited discount offers in emails or texts be scams?

Yes. Unsolicited messages offering discounts are a common phishing tactic. They often contain links to cloned websites that capture login details or payment information. The safest approach is to delete these messages and only use codes from trusted platforms or official retailer websites.

8. What security steps should I take when using voucher sites?

Always check the website address, ensure it starts with https://, and look for transparency features such as last updated dates. Keep devices updated, use multi factor authentication for payments, and bookmark trusted voucher sites to avoid fakes. The NCSC outlines further simple steps for secure shopping.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Online shopping is now a central part of daily life, but with convenience comes risk. Fake voucher sites exploit the search for savings by luring consumers into giving away personal details or clicking through unsafe links. By understanding the red flags and applying basic security practices, you can protect yourself from the most common traps. Figures from UK Finance show that fraud remains a billion pound problem in the UK, yet most cases can be avoided with awareness and simple checks.

The safest approach is to combine trusted voucher providers with guidance from independent authorities such as the National Cyber Security Centre, Action Fraud and Citizens Advice. Taking these steps ensures you can enjoy discounts without compromising your personal or financial security. Our team at My Favourite Voucher Codes also takes this responsibility seriously, manually checking codes before publication and donating 20 percent of profits each month to charity. That means every safe saving you make also supports a wider cause. Bookmark the right sources, stay vigilant, and continue to save with confidence.

by Julian House – 23rd September 2025

Julian House is a senior staff writer at My Favourite Voucher Codes with a focus on online shopping security and consumer protection. He produces authoritative guides that help UK shoppers avoid scams, spot fake voucher sites, and shop with confidence. With a background in personal finance writing, Julian combines practical money-saving advice with expert insights on fraud prevention. Through his work at MFVC, he also champions the site’s commitment to donate 20% of profits to charity each month, ensuring that safe savings create a positive impact beyond the checkout.