Lloyds Bank is urging its customers to conduct an immediate review of their bank statements after revealing that a staggering £2 million was successfully claimed back through card chargebacks in the first nine months of this year.
Millions Reclaimed as Scammers Target Shoppers
According to exclusive data from Lloyds Banking Group, customers filed for and received £2 million in chargebacks between the start of January and the end of September 2025. The bank reported that the average disputed transaction value was £35, highlighting the volume of smaller, yet significant, fraudulent activities affecting account holders.
The surge in claims is linked to a rise in problems with online purchases. Common issues reported by customers include items that never arrive, products that turn out to be poor-quality counterfeits, and unauthorised subscriptions being set up without their knowledge.
Festive Favourites in the Scammers' Sights
Lloyds has issued a specific warning about the types of products being used by fraudsters to lure in buyers. Scammers are currently targeting high-demand items, particularly as the festive season approaches.
Popular targets include Labubu dolls, Jellycat toys, and high-end advent calendars. These are being promoted alongside perennial Christmas and Black Friday favourites such as jewellery, perfume, and the latest gadgets.
Liz Ziegler, Fraud Prevention Director at Lloyds Bank, commented on the seasonal risks, stating: “Everyone is busy hunting for the perfect Christmas gifts and, with so many deals, offers and choices popping up online, it is easy to feel overwhelmed – particularly when you’re trying to stick to a budget and get everything done on time.”
She added a crucial warning for shoppers: “Scammers know how to blend in on social media and the warning signs of a dodgy website or advert can be easy to miss.”
How to Claim Your Money Back
For customers who believe they have fallen victim to a scam or received faulty goods, Lloyds highlights the powerful Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This legislation means that if you purchase an item costing between £100 and £30,000 with your Lloyds credit card, the bank shares equal liability with the retailer if something goes wrong.
This protection applies if the item is faulty, does not arrive, or is not as described, allowing you to claim a refund directly from Lloyds.
To initiate a chargeback or Section 75 claim, the bank advises customers to gather the necessary evidence. You will typically need to provide:
- A written summary of what happened.
- A copy of your contract, invoice, and/or the terms and conditions.
- Details of any additional transactions made with the retailer that were not on your credit card.
Lloyds also notes that it may request photographic evidence or warranties to build the strongest possible case for a refund.
