Non-Delivery Scams
Payment is taken for goods or tickets that are simply never sent.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
A non-delivery scam is the simplest form of shopping fraud: you pay, and nothing ever arrives. It spans fake stores, marketplace sellers, ticket sellers and social shops.
How it works
The seller accepts payment, gives excuses or fake tracking, and stalls until you give up or the dispute window closes. High-demand items, event tickets and limited stock are common bait.
Common red flags
- Pressure to pay by transfer or 'friends & family'
- Excuses, delays, and fake or non-updating tracking
- Seller becomes unreachable after payment
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Item posted, sorry for the delay — courier is behind. Please don't open a dispute yet.
Payment methods used
- Bank transfer
- Payment apps
- Card
- Crypto
Who is usually targeted
- Online shoppers
- Event-goers
- Bargain seekers
What to do immediately
- Open a dispute promptly within the protection window
- Contact your bank/card provider
- Report the seller and listing
Evidence to preserve
- Order and payment records
- All messages
- Any tracking provided
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before disputing?
Don't let a seller talk you past your protection deadline. If delivery is overdue and excuses mount, open a dispute while you still can — you can withdraw it if the item genuinely arrives.