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Occasional in United Kingdom

Scam in United KingdomShopping

Misleading sale discounts in United Kingdom

Shops outside major brands and established retailers.

How it works

A shop advertises a discount against a claimed full price that the item may never have sold for. The supposed saving can make an ordinary price look like a bargain.

Warning signs

  • A large discount is the main reason to buy.
  • The claimed original price is difficult to check.

How to avoid it

  1. Compare the actual selling price with other shops.
  2. Check whether the item has been sold at the claimed full price.
  3. Do not let a sale sign rush your decision.

If it happens to you

Keep the receipt and a record of the price claim. Ask the retailer about a return or refund.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone carrying a weapon.
  2. Call 999 or 112 if you are threatened, injured or being held against your will. For a crime that does not need an emergency response, call 101.
  3. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about unauthorised or forced payments. If your phone was stolen, lock it remotely and contact your mobile provider.
  4. Save receipts, booking details, messages and payment records. Write down the location, time and what happened while you remember it.
  5. Report the incident to the relevant police or transport staff. Ask for a report reference and contact your insurer.
  6. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate through its official contact details.
Where it happensShops outside major brands and established retailers.London

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in United KingdomFake street-drug sales: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the misleading sale discounts scam in United Kingdom?

A shop advertises a discount against a claimed full price that the item may never have sold for. The supposed saving can make an ordinary price look like a bargain.

How can I spot it early?

A large discount is the main reason to buy. The claimed original price is difficult to check.

How do I avoid misleading sale discounts in United Kingdom?

Compare the actual selling price with other shops. Check whether the item has been sold at the claimed full price. Do not let a sale sign rush your decision.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Keep the receipt and a record of the price claim. Ask the retailer about a return or refund.

Where in United Kingdom does this happen?

Shops outside major brands and established retailers. It has been reported in London.

How common is this scam in United Kingdom?

Occasional. The United Kingdom is generally safe to visit, but tourists can face theft, street cons and misleading prices. London has several scams aimed at visitors, including rigged street games, ticket-machine theft and costly currency exchange. Watch your phone, refuse pushy offers and check prices before paying.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: call 999 or 112 for an immediate serious threat to life or safety. Ask for the service you need and give your exact location, including the town or city. Local police: call 101 to report a crime or concern that does not need an emergency response. In London, the Metropolitan Police covers most of the city; the City of London Police covers the City of London. British Transport Police: speak to an officer or station staff about railway incidents. For the tissue-selling scam on trains, text 61016 when above ground. ATM premises or bank: tell staff if a machine has suspicious attachments or appears altered. Also report it to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Do not try to remove a device. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to freeze cards and report suspicious, unauthorised or forced payments. Mobile provider: use the provider's official contact channel to report a stolen phone and block the SIM. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need document assistance. Travel insurer or rental company: report the loss through their official claims or support channel. Keep the police reference, receipts and supporting records.

What number do I call in an emergency in United Kingdom?

Emergency police, ambulance, fire and rescue: 999, Alternative emergency number: 112, Non-emergency police: 101.

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