Shoppers have been urged not to take “serious risks” with their health, as Santander UK has recorded nearly £50,000 stolen by beauty treatment scammers so far this year. The scams include counterfeit perfumes, makeup, Botox, lip fillers, and other cosmetic treatments, according to the bank.
Michelle Pilsworth, head of UK fraud at Santander, said: “Slick social media profiles and fake reviews might appear trustworthy – but if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.” Since January, Santander has documented £49,846.32 stolen by beauty scammers, with an average loss of £227 per victim. About two-thirds (68%) of the cases reported involved female victims.
Fraudsters are turning to social media and private messaging apps to lure victims with “offers” and influencer-style content promising cheap deals on popular aesthetic procedures, the bank said.
Ms Pilsworth said: “The scam typically begins with a fake advert on social media promoting heavily discounted treatments or cosmetics. Once a user expresses interest, the seller will often move the conversation to a messaging app to arrange payment by bank transfer or payment link.
“Then the product never arrives or turns out to be fake – and victims are left with nothing but regret.”
Ms Pilsworth added: “This isn’t just about losing money – it’s about protecting your wellbeing. Fake cosmetic treatments can cause real harm.
“As the festive party season approaches, Santander is urging consumers to be especially vigilant. Fraudsters know shoppers are likely to be on the hunt for new deals and low-cost gifts ahead of Christmas, and they’ll use this to their advantage.”
Dr Emma Meredith, director general of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, said: “Counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products may look like the brands we love, but the packaging is where the similarity ends. You could be buying a product that won’t work in the way you want, or worse, could pose a serious risk to your health.
“Alongside fake goods, online scams selling non-existent products are also on the rise. The cosmetics industry takes consumer safety very seriously.
“Fake, illegal and fraudulent products not only jeopardise consumer wellbeing but also threaten the trust that millions of consumers have in the many legal and safe cosmetic products available and used every day.”
Red flags highlighted by the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association
- If the product is being offered at a very low price, it could be an untested and unsafe lookalike that is not worth the potential cost to your health.
- Beware of ads promoting “flash sales” for heavily discounted products.
- Fake social media accounts selling counterfeit products may still display the original brand name. If you are in any doubt, visit the brand’s website and click through to its social media account.
- Be cautious about individuals who spend a lot of time posting about products for sale on social media but invest little to no time engaging with other community members.
