Shpock scam UK: how to spot and avoid fake sellers on the app
Shpock is a real UK app, but criminals are using it to steal from buyers and sellers — here's how to stay safe.
What is this scam?
The Shpock scam targets users of the popular UK secondhand marketplace app by exploiting the trust people place in the platform. Scammers either create fake seller accounts and post items they don't own, or they pose as genuine sellers outside the app's payment system. They advertise items like phones, laptops, designer goods, or furniture at unbeatable prices — often 20-40% below market value — to lure buyers. Once you've expressed interest, they ask you to pay outside Shpock's official payment system (via bank transfer, PayPal, Google Pay or gift cards) claiming faster processing or lower fees.
After payment is made, the item never arrives, or it's completely different from what was promised. Sellers can also be targeted by scammers posing as buyers, who send fake payment confirmations or demand unusual payment methods. The scam works because Shpock's reputation as a trusted platform makes people lower their guard.
Warning signs to look for
- Prices significantly lower than comparable items on Shpock or other sites — if it looks too cheap, it probably is.
- Seller pushes you to pay outside Shpock's in-app payment system using bank transfer, PayPal Friends & Family, or gift cards.
- New seller account with little or no history, reviews, or profile information — accounts less than a few weeks old are higher risk.
- Seller claims to be 'out of the country' or 'unable to access the app' and asks you to communicate via WhatsApp, email, or Telegram instead.
- Item photos are low quality, blurry, or appear to be stock images copied from Google — not genuine photos of the actual item.
- Seller asks for payment before you've properly inspected the item or demands a deposit to 'hold' it while away.
- Inconsistent or vague answers to specific questions about the item — genuine sellers give detailed replies about condition, faults, and specs.
- Seller offers to ship immediately without agreeing to a safe payment method or refuses to use Royal Mail tracked delivery with proof of posting.
How this scam works step by step
The typical Shpock scam follows a deliberate pattern. First, a scammer creates a seller account or hacks an existing one, then lists desirable items like iPhones, PlayStation consoles, or Dyson vacuums at suspiciously cheap prices to attract bargain hunters. When you message interest, they respond quickly and seem friendly, building rapport. They send you photos (often stolen from legitimate sellers or Google Images) and claim the item is in perfect condition. You negotiate the price and agree to buy.
Here's where the scam tightens: they suddenly claim they need payment immediately via bank transfer or PayPal Friends & Family because they're 'about to delete the app' or 'leaving the country tomorrow'. They pressure you by saying other buyers are interested. Once you send the money, one of three things happens: the item never arrives and they block you; a counterfeit or completely different item turns up; or you receive nothing at all and the account disappears. Some variants involve the scammer posing as a courier, sending fake delivery confirmation emails to make you believe payment was processed.
Sellers face similar tactics when scammers message claiming to want the item, then send fake PayPal screenshots or bank confirmations.
How to verify if it is genuine
Before handing over money on Shpock, take these specific verification steps. First, check the seller's account thoroughly: look at their review history, how long they've been on Shpock, and read any comments from previous buyers — be wary of accounts with zero reviews or only a handful created in the last two weeks. Second, ask the seller direct questions about the item's condition and any faults; genuine sellers answer promptly and in detail. Third, request a video call using Shpock's in-app messaging or WhatsApp to see the item in person — scammers often refuse or make excuses.
Fourth, use Google Lens or reverse image search on the photos: right-click the image and upload it to Google Images to check if it's been stolen from another listing or website. Fifth, only ever pay using Shpock's built-in payment system or a protected method like PayPal Goods & Services (not Friends & Family). If the seller insists on bank transfer or gift cards, stop and don't engage. Finally, check our guide on Is This Website a Scam? A Practical Checklist Before You Buy for additional online safety checks.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you've already been caught by a Shpock scam, act quickly. First, stop all communication with the scammer immediately — don't send any more money or personal information. If you've paid via bank transfer, contact your bank urgently and explain it was a scam; they may be able to recover the money if they act fast, especially if the funds haven't been moved yet. If you used PayPal Friends & Family, log into your account, go to the transaction, and report it as unauthorized. For PayPal Goods & Services, you have automatic buyer protection and can file a dispute.
If you paid via gift card (Apple, Google Play, Amazon), report the card details to the provider immediately — they may be able to stop the redemption. Change your Shpock password immediately if the scammer had access to your account. Block the scammer's account on Shpock using the report function. Take screenshots of all messages, images, and the listing before the account vanishes — this is evidence. Report the full incident to Shpock using their in-app report button, and then escalate to Action Fraud and the NCSC.
Do not make additional payments or send the scammer any more information hoping to recover losses.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Reporting is essential to protect other users and help law enforcement track down scammers. Start by reporting the seller directly within Shpock: open the listing or chat, tap the menu icon, and select 'Report'. Be specific: describe the scam, the price, and that you were asked to pay outside the app. Next, report to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, either online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Have your transaction details and screenshots ready. If the scammer sent you suspicious emails or links, forward them to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk.
If they contacted you via SMS or text, forward the message to 7726 (a free reporting number). Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need support understanding your rights or recovery options. Finally, if money was taken from your bank account via unauthorised access, report it to your bank's fraud team immediately. Keep all evidence — screenshots, messages, transaction confirmations, and the Shpock listing URL — as this information helps police and the platform improve security.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shpock itself a scam, or is it only individual sellers who are fraudulent?
Shpock is a legitimate UK secondhand marketplace app owned by the eBay group, but like all peer-to-peer platforms, it attracts scammers. The app itself has safety features like in-app messaging and a payment system, but not all users follow the rules. The safest approach is to always use Shpock's official payment system, check seller reviews carefully, and never pay outside the app regardless of what the seller claims.
I already sent £200 via bank transfer to a Shpock seller — can I get it back?
Contact your bank immediately and tell them you were victim of a scam; mention the specific transaction, the recipient's name and account details, and the date. Your bank can try to recall or freeze the money if the scammer hasn't already moved it, which often happens quickly. You have stronger rights if you used a card rather than a direct bank transfer. Some banks have fraud recovery schemes, but speed is critical — call your bank's fraud line today. You should also report it to Action Fraud and Shpock to create an official record, which may help with compensation claims.
A Shpock seller asked me to pay via PayPal Friends & Family — should I do this?
No. Never use PayPal Friends & Family for purchases on Shpock or any marketplace — this payment method has zero buyer protection. If something goes wrong, PayPal will not refund you because Friends & Family is designed only for money sent to people you trust. Genuine Shpock sellers should accept the in-app payment system or PayPal Goods & Services (which includes protection). If a seller insists on Friends & Family, they're either inexperienced or attempting a scam — walk away.
How do I report a fake Shpock seller or listing?
Report directly within the Shpock app: find the listing or chat, tap the menu (three dots), and select 'Report Seller' or 'Report Listing'. Describe the scam clearly. Then report to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, and email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk if you received phishing links. Each report helps Shpock identify and remove fraudulent accounts faster, protecting other UK users.