Wish scam UK review: how to spot fake Wish deals and protect yourself
Wish is real, but scammers use its name and fake reviews to steal from UK shoppers — here's how to tell the difference.
What is this scam?
The Wish scam in the UK operates in three main ways. First, scammers post fake product reviews on social media or review sites claiming Wish sells counterfeit or dangerous items, then direct victims to click malicious links that harvest personal data or payment details. Second, fraudsters create fake Wish websites or emails that look identical to the real app, encouraging users to 'verify' their account by entering login credentials. Third, scammers list counterfeit goods on actual Wish — or claim to be Wish sellers — then either send nothing or send dangerous fake products (fake cosmetics, phone chargers, medications). The scam typically targets bargain hunters who trust Wish's low prices and may not check seller ratings carefully. Victims lose money, have their identities stolen, or receive unsafe items. Wish itself is a legitimate US-based marketplace, but its lack of strict seller verification makes it a hunting ground for organised fraud rings.
Warning signs to look for
- Wish reviews or emails asking you to click a link to 'confirm your identity' or 'unlock a discount' — the real Wish app does not ask this.
- Sellers with no history, zero reviews, or reviews in broken English selling premium items at 70–90% below retail price.
- Phishing emails claiming to be from Wish but asking you to re-enter your password, card details, or proof of identity.
- Fake Wish websites with URLs like 'wisshop.com' or 'wish-official.co.uk' instead of the correct wish.com domain.
- Wish ads on Facebook or TikTok offering free products in exchange for sharing personal referral codes — genuine Wish referrals do not work this way.
- Sellers offering to communicate 'outside Wish' via WhatsApp or email to bypass the app's buyer protection.
- Product photos that look stolen from other retailers or are of suspiciously poor quality for a major platform.
How this scam works step by step
Step one: A scammer creates a fake Wish listing or posts a fake review on social media promising a luxury item (trainers, phones, makeup) at an unbelievable price. Step two: The victim clicks the link and lands on a fake Wish website or a legitimate Wish listing from an unverified seller. Step three: The victim either enters their payment details on a fake checkout page (which is saved by the scammer) or completes a real purchase from the fraudulent seller. Step four: If it's a fake website, the scammer now has the victim's card details, address, and sometimes security answers. If it's a real Wish purchase, the victim receives either nothing or a dangerous counterfeit item. Step five: If the victim tries to get a refund, the scammer claims the item was 'delivered' and disputes the case, or simply ignores Wish's seller messaging system. Meanwhile, scammers use stolen card details for further fraud or sell them on the dark web. Some variants include phishing emails that trick victims into clicking a 'dispute resolution' link, which is actually malware or a credential-stealing page.
How to verify if it is genuine
Check the website URL carefully — Wish's official domain is wish.com. If the URL contains hyphens, extra words, or a different extension (like .co.uk or .net), it is fake. On the real Wish app or website, go directly to Wish through your browser or the official app — do not click links from emails, ads, or reviews. Verify the seller: in the real Wish app, tap the seller's name and check their review history, average rating, and response time. Legitimate high-value sellers have hundreds or thousands of reviews with at least 4 stars. Wish never asks you to verify your identity by clicking an email link. If you receive such an email, it is phishing. Compare prices: if an item costs £200 in Boots but £15 on Wish, the Wish version is almost certainly counterfeit. Use our related guide on how to check if a website is a scam for additional verification steps: /guides/is-this-website-a-scam/. Finally, check Wish's official social media accounts (verified blue tick) for warnings about current scams.
What to do if you have already interacted
If you clicked a phishing link or entered your details on a fake Wish site, act immediately. First, change your Wish password if you have an account, and change the password on any other site using the same email address. Contact your bank or card issuer within 24 hours — report the fraudulent transaction and ask them to cancel your card and issue a replacement. If you entered your full card details on a fake website, request a chargeback for any fraudulent transactions; your bank can do this within 120 days. If you already bought from a scam seller on real Wish, open the app, go to your purchase, and file a dispute immediately within the Wish resolution window (usually 60 days). Do not accept 'proof of delivery' if you did not receive the item — provide screenshots of the non-delivery. Monitor your bank account and credit file for the next 3–6 months using free services like Clearscore or Experian's free check. If your personal data was stolen, you can register with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) data breach reporting at ico.org.uk.
Reporting this scam in the UK
Report phishing emails to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service by forwarding the email to report@phishing.gov.uk — do not click any links in the email first. If you lost money, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm) or reporting online at actionfraud.police.uk. You will receive a crime reference number, which you should share with your bank. Forward any scam SMS messages to 7726 (spells 'SPAM'). If you bought a counterfeit item on Wish, also report the seller to Wish directly through the app (Seller Profile > Report). Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need advice on your rights for a chargeback or if the scammer has taken money you cannot afford to lose. Keep copies of all evidence: screenshots of the fake website, the phishing email, the scam listing, your bank statements, and your Action Fraud reference number. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, register with the ICO and consider a CIFAS fraud alert.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wish a legitimate company or is it always a scam?
Wish is a legitimate US-based online marketplace, but it has very loose seller controls. Most Wish sellers are genuine, but the platform attracts many counterfeiters because enforcement is weak. The scam is not Wish itself — it is fake Wish websites, phishing emails pretending to be Wish, and unverified sellers using Wish to sell fakes. If you buy directly through the official Wish app and check seller ratings carefully, you can shop safely, though counterfeits are common.
What should I do if I have already sent money to a Wish scammer?
Contact your bank immediately and report it as fraud. If you paid by card, your bank can raise a chargeback within 120 days. If you paid by bank transfer, contact your bank and Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) straight away — recoveries are harder with transfers but not impossible. If you bought through Wish itself, file a dispute in the app within 60 days. Change all your passwords, monitor your bank account for further fraud, and report the scam to Action Fraud online or by phone.
Can Wish scammers steal my identity if I clicked a phishing link but did not enter my details?
Probably not — just clicking a link is usually safe. However, if the link downloaded malware or you were redirected to a page that auto-filled your browser data, there is a small risk. Change your Wish password immediately as a precaution, and monitor your bank and credit file for the next 3 months. If you are worried, register a CIFAS fraud alert at cifas.org.uk, which flags your file to lenders and reduces the risk of someone opening accounts in your name.
How do I report a Wish scam in the UK?
Report phishing emails to the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk, forward scam SMS to 7726, and report any money loss to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk. If you bought a counterfeit item on Wish, report the seller within the Wish app. Tell your bank about any fraudulent transaction, and consider contacting Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 if you need help with a chargeback or consumer rights.