High riskBank & Payment Scams

Buy Now Pay Later Fraud Scam

In this scam, fraudsters use your stolen details to open buy now pay later accounts or hijack existing ones, making purchases in your name and leaving you with the debt and collection notices.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Identity fraud / account takeover (BNPL)
Main red flag
Unexpected BNPL accounts, orders, or repayment demands in your name.
What to do first
Contact the BNPL provider to freeze the account and report the fraud.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, fraudsters use your stolen details to open buy now pay later accounts or hijack existing ones, making purchases in your name and leaving you with the debt and collection notices.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: You receive repayment reminders or order confirmations for buy now pay later purchases you never made.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • BNPL accounts or orders you did not open
  • Repayment or collection notices for unknown purchases
  • Verification codes for BNPL you did not request
  • Unfamiliar charges linked to BNPL
  • Your details exposed in a recent breach

What to do

  • Contact the BNPL provider to freeze the account and report fraud
  • Check your credit report for accounts you did not open
  • Change passwords and enable two-factor on shopping accounts
  • Consider a credit freeze or fraud alert

If you already clicked or replied

  • Report the fraud to the BNPL provider and dispute the debt
  • Secure your email and shopping accounts
  • Monitor your credit for further misuse
  • Keep records of all reports and correspondence

What not to do

  • Do not ignore repayment notices for purchases you did not make
  • Do not pay debts that result from fraud without disputing
  • Do not share verification codes for BNPL

Similar scams

Medium risk Online Shopping

Buy Now Pay Later Scam

Buy now pay later (BNPL) services let people split a purchase into instalments, and scammers exploit how familiar they have become. A typical scam arrives as a text or email claiming to be from a BNPL provider, warning of a missed payment, an account problem, or a refund waiting to be claimed. The message links to a convincing but fake login or payment page designed to capture your account details, card, or bank information. In some cases criminals who already have access use a victim's BNPL account to buy goods. Genuine providers contact you through their app and do not pressure you to confirm details through an unexpected link.
High risk Bank & Payment

Loan App Scam

In this scam, an instant-loan app offers quick cash with no checks, then demands excessive access to your contacts and photos, charges hidden fees and extreme interest, and harasses or blackmails you over repayments.
High risk Bank & Payment

PayPal Payment Pending Scam

This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.

Frequently asked questions

How do fraudsters use BNPL in my name?
With stolen details, they open BNPL accounts or hijack existing ones to make purchases, leaving you with the debt and collection notices.
I got a bill for BNPL I never used. What now?
Contact the provider to freeze the account and report fraud, dispute the debt, check your credit report, and secure your accounts.
How do I protect against BNPL fraud?
Use strong unique passwords and two-factor on shopping accounts, monitor your credit, and consider a credit freeze or fraud alert.
Should I pay the disputed amount?
Dispute debts that result from fraud rather than paying them, and keep records of all reports and correspondence.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.