Watch out for beauty treatment scams warns bank as £50,000 reported lost in year

Christmas shoppers are being urged not to take “serious risks” with their health as Santander UK has recorded nearly £50,000 stolen by beauty treatment scammers this year so far.

The scams range from counterfeit perfumes and make-up to botox, lip and collagen fillers, and other cosmetic treatments, the bank said.

About two-thirds (68%) of the cases recorded by Santander involved female victims.

Since January, Santander has recorded £49,846.32 reported as being stolen by beauty scammers, with an average loss of £227.

Fraudsters are turning to social media and private messaging apps to lure victims with “offers” and influencer-style content promising cheap deals on popular aesthetic procedures, the bank said.

Michelle Pilsworth, head of UK fraud at Santander, said: “Slick social media profiles and fake reviews might appear trustworthy – but if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.

“The scam typically begins with a fake advert on social media promoting heavily discounted treatments or cosmetics.

“Once a user expresses interest, the seller will often move the conversation to a messaging app to arrange payment by bank transfer or payment link.

“Then the product never arrives or turns out to be fake – and victims are left with nothing but regret.”

Ms Pilsworth added: “This isn’t just about losing money – it’s about protecting your wellbeing. Fake cosmetic treatments can cause real harm.

“As the festive party season approaches, Santander is urging consumers to be especially vigilant. Fraudsters know shoppers are likely to be on the hunt for new deals and low-cost gifts ahead of Christmas, and they’ll use this to their advantage.”

Dr Emma Meredith, director general of the Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association, said: “Counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products may look like the brands we love, but the packaging is where the similarity ends.

“You could be buying a product that won’t work in the way you want, or worse, could pose a serious risk to your health.

“Alongside fake goods, online scams selling non-existent products are also on the rise. The cosmetics industry takes consumer safety very seriously.

“Fake, illegal and fraudulent products not only jeopardise consumer wellbeing but also threaten the trust that millions of consumers have in the many legal and safe cosmetic products available and used every day.”

Red flags highlighted by the Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association

– If the product is being offered at a very cheap price, it could be an untested and unsafe lookalike that is not worth the potential cost to your health.

– Beware of ads promoting “flash sales” for heavily discounted products.

– Fake social accounts selling counterfeits may contain the original brand name. If you are in any doubt, head to the brand website and click back to its social media account.

– Be cautious about people who spend lots of time posting about products for sale on social media, but invest little or no time engaging with other community members.