Medium riskOnline Shopping Scams

Custom Product Scam

In this scam, a seller advertises custom or personalised products, such as engraved gifts, art, or made-to-order items, takes full payment citing the bespoke nature, then ships nothing or a poor imitation and resists refunds.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Non-delivery (bespoke goods)
Main red flag
Full prepayment for a custom item from an unproven seller with a 'no refunds' policy.
What to do first
Use sellers with a track record and pay by a method you can dispute.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a seller advertises custom or personalised products, such as engraved gifts, art, or made-to-order items, takes full payment citing the bespoke nature, then ships nothing or a poor imitation and resists refunds.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Handmade personalised piece, made just for you. Full payment required upfront and no refunds since it's custom. Ships in 6-8 weeks.'

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

  • Full upfront payment for a bespoke item
  • A 'no refunds because it's custom' policy
  • An unproven seller with few genuine reviews
  • Stock photos rather than examples of real work
  • Repeated delays and excuses after payment

What to do

  • Order from sellers with verifiable reviews and real examples
  • Pay by a method that lets you dispute non-delivery
  • Keep order confirmations and promised timelines
  • Set a deadline to request a refund if it slips

If you already clicked or replied

  • If it does not arrive, request a refund, then dispute with your payment provider
  • Keep all messages, photos, and confirmations as evidence
  • Report the seller to the platform
  • Leave an honest review to warn others where possible

What not to do

  • Do not assume 'custom' justifies no buyer protection
  • Do not pay by methods you cannot dispute
  • Do not ignore repeated delays past your dispute window

Similar scams

Medium risk Online Shopping

Pre-Order Scam

In this scam, a seller takes pre-orders and full payment for an upcoming or hard-to-get product, then endlessly delays, makes excuses, and never ships, often disappearing once enough orders are collected.
High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.
Low risk Online Shopping

Dropshipping Scam

A store, often advertised on social media, sells cheap overseas goods at a large markup and ships them slowly from a low-cost supplier. Items can arrive late, look nothing like the photos, or be poor quality, with refunds made difficult.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'no refunds because it's custom' legitimate?
Custom items can have limited returns, but that does not remove your rights if the item never arrives or is grossly not as described. Pay by a disputable method.
How do I order bespoke items safely?
Choose sellers with genuine reviews and real examples of their work, pay by a protected method, and keep records of the order and timeline.
My custom order never arrived. What now?
Request a refund, then dispute the charge with your payment provider using your evidence, and report the seller.
What if I just get endless delays?
Set a clear deadline and act within your dispute window; do not let repeated delays push you past the point of claiming your money back.

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.