Shpock Scam UK: Spot a Fake Deal Safely
For collection deals, only hand over money when you're happy the item is as described and you're taking it home.
What a Shpock scam looks like
This scam is a seller or buyer pushing you to pay before a collection meet-up, or a message claiming to be from a 'Shpock courier' arranging delivery. An example of the style: I've had a lot of interest, pay a £20 deposit now to hold it and I'll see you at the weekend. Shpock's safety guidance says to hand money over for collection only when you're happy the item is as described, and Shpock says it doesn't provide its own courier service.
Why it's convincing
Shpock is a genuine local marketplace app, so a normal-sounding request like a small deposit can feel plausible, especially for a popular item. A message claiming to be an official 'Shpock courier' can also sound legitimate if you haven't used the app's delivery feature before.
Signs a Shpock deal is a scam
- You're asked to pay before seeing a collection item in person.
- A message claims to be from a 'Shpock courier' or Shpock's own delivery service.
- You're sent a link in chat and asked to click it or leave the app. Shpock says it will never ask you to do this when making or receiving payments.
- There's pressure to pay quickly because of 'a lot of interest'.
How the scam works step by step
First, a seller or buyer asks for a deposit or payment before the item is collected or verified, or sends a fake courier/payment link in chat. Second, you pay by bank transfer or another method outside Shpock's protected payment flow. Third, the item never existed, isn't as described, or the courier arrangement was never real — and the money is gone.
How to buy and sell safely on Shpock
For collection deals, meet in a safe location and only hand over money once you're happy with the item and are taking it home.
- Keep communication in Shpock's own app. Shpock says it can't help if something goes wrong and you haven't spoken via chat.
- Don't open payment links sent directly in chat. Shpock says those links are fake and are designed to gather card information.
- If you aren't meeting up, Shpock says to pay directly through the app so you're covered by Buyer Protection.
- Shpock Secure Delivery includes a Buyer Protection Guarantee if the item doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
If you've already paid a deposit or clicked a link
Contact your bank if you paid by bank transfer or card and explain what happened, though recovery isn't guaranteed for a bank transfer. If you clicked a link and entered any details, change your password and treat any card details as compromised.
How to report a Shpock scam (UK)
Report the user directly in the app. For a collection deal, open the chat and use the three-dot menu, then Report partner. For a delivery deal, open the chat and use Help, then Report user. If you've lost money, also report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 if you're in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pay a deposit to secure a collection item on Shpock?
Treat it as a red flag. Shpock's buying guidance is to hand over money for collection only when you're happy the item is as described and you're taking it home.
Does Shpock have its own courier service?
No. Shpock says it doesn't provide its own courier service, and that requests to use one are attempts at defrauding you.
Is there buyer protection on Shpock?
Shpock says Secure Delivery includes a Buyer Protection Guarantee if the item doesn't arrive or isn't as described. For non-meet-up deals, pay directly through the app rather than using links or bank-transfer arrangements sent in chat.
I paid a deposit and the seller disappeared. Can I get my money back?
Contact your bank to ask about your options, though recovery isn't guaranteed for a bank transfer. Report the user in the app and report any money lost to Report Fraud.
How do I report a scam on Shpock?
Report the deal partner from the chat. Use Report partner for collection deals or Report user for delivery deals, then report any money lost to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 (Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland).