Medium riskOnline Shopping Scams

Repair Service Scam

In this scam, an online or mail-in repair service for phones, appliances, or computers lures you with low quotes, then overcharges, fits cheap or fake parts, holds your device hostage, or returns it unrepaired.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Service fraud (repairs)
Main red flag
A repair service with a low quote that later demands much more or withholds your device.
What to do first
Use reputable, reviewed repairers and get the quote and terms in writing.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, an online or mail-in repair service for phones, appliances, or computers lures you with low quotes, then overcharges, fits cheap or fake parts, holds your device hostage, or returns it unrepaired.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Screen repair just $40!' Once you send the device, the price jumps and they refuse to return it until you pay much more.

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

  • A quote far below typical repair prices
  • Price jumps after they have your device
  • Vague terms on parts, warranty, or returns
  • Pressure to pay more to release your device
  • No verifiable address or genuine reviews

What to do

  • Use reputable, reviewed repair shops with clear terms
  • Get the quote, parts, and warranty in writing
  • Back up and remove sensitive data before any repair
  • Pay by a method you can dispute

If you already clicked or replied

  • If overcharged or your device is withheld, dispute the charge and request its return in writing
  • Keep all correspondence and receipts as evidence
  • Report the business to consumer authorities
  • Change passwords if the device held account access

What not to do

  • Do not send devices to unverified repairers
  • Do not pay escalating fees to release your device
  • Do not skip written quotes and terms

Similar scams

High risk Marketplace

Rogue Trader Scam

A rogue trader is a doorstep or online 'tradesperson' offering driveway, roofing, gardening or repair work at a tempting price. They press for a large cash deposit upfront, then carry out poor or unfinished work, 'discover' extra problems that were never there, and inflate the final bill. Older homeowners are often targeted. Taking time to get the offer in writing and to compare quotes can reveal the pressure tactics for what they are.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Extended Warranty Scam

Calls, robocalls, texts, or mailers claim your product or vehicle warranty is expiring and pressure you to buy an overpriced or worthless 'extended warranty', using urgency to collect card and personal details.
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.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a safe repair service?
Use reputable, reviewed repairers with a verifiable address, get the quote and warranty in writing, and pay by a method you can dispute.
They raised the price after taking my device. What now?
Dispute the charge, request your device back in writing, keep all evidence, and report the business to consumer authorities.
Should I worry about my data?
Yes. Back up and remove sensitive data before a repair, and change passwords afterward if the device held account access.
Is a very low quote a warning sign?
A price far below typical repairs can be bait, with costs rising once they hold your device. Compare quotes from reputable shops.

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.