Non-Delivery Scams via Revolut
How fraudulent UK and European marketplace sellers use Revolut transfers to collect payment for goods that never ship.
Part of: Non-Delivery Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Revolut peer-to-peer transfers have become common in social-commerce contexts across the UK and Europe, particularly for sales between individuals through Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and Depop. Fraudulent sellers exploit Revolut because it is instant, familiar, and — unlike credit card payments — carries no built-in buyer-protection or chargeback mechanism for goods purchased.
The Revolut payment is presented as more convenient than a bank transfer, which would delay the transaction, and as safer than cash, which requires an in-person meeting. In reality, it offers the scammer rapid, irreversible receipt.
How this scam works on Revolut
A seller on a social marketplace insists on Revolut rather than the platform's own payment mechanism, citing lower fees or faster processing. After receiving the Revolut transfer, the seller either never dispatches the item or sends a significantly inferior substitute. Revolut disputes for goods-not-received are handled on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed to succeed.
Some fraudulent sellers exploit Revolut's 'payment links' feature, sending the buyer a pre-filled payment link that moves funds instantly to an account that has no connection to the platform profile.
Common red flags
- Seller insists on Revolut rather than the marketplace's built-in payment system
- Revolut transfer requested before any in-person inspection or confirmed dispatch
- Seller's Revolut account name does not match their marketplace profile name
- Tracking number provided is invalid or shows a delivery to a different address
- Seller becomes unresponsive after Revolut confirmation is shared
- Pre-filled Revolut payment link sent directly rather than an invoice through the platform
How to protect yourself
- Use the marketplace's built-in payment system where available — it provides more protection than peer-to-peer Revolut
- For in-person transactions, insist on inspecting goods before any Revolut transfer
- Confirm the seller's Revolut account name matches their public marketplace identity
- For postal sales, request a tracked dispatch confirmation before paying the full amount
- Use a credit card linked to Revolut where possible — credit-card chargeback rights still apply to transactions funding Revolut purchases from merchants
How to report it
- Report the payment through the Revolut in-app 'Report a payment' feature with all order evidence
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) at actionfraud.police.uk with the Revolut account details and transaction reference
- Report the seller to the marketplace platform with screenshots of the conversation and payment
Frequently asked questions
Does Revolut's APP reimbursement scheme cover marketplace non-delivery?
The UK PSR mandatory APP reimbursement scheme (effective October 2024) covers authorised push payments made under deception. Non-delivery fraud where the seller misrepresented the item may qualify. Report through Revolut's dispute process, provide evidence that the goods were misrepresented, and file with Action Fraud to support your claim. Each case is assessed individually.