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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Report Fraud is urging online shoppers to stay alert for unusual activity on their accounts following a rise in criminals gaining access to buy expensive goods.
Recent reporting highlights Argos as a key trend in this activity. Report Fraud has seen a significant increase in cases mentioning the retailer, reflecting how criminals are targeting well-known brands. Argos is actively working with authorities and its customers to identify suspicious activity and strengthen safeguards.
Criminals are using login details obtained from data breaches to gain unauthorised access to retailer accounts. This is possible due to the practice of reusing the same password across multiple online accounts. Once they have control of the account, criminals will place online orders and then collect the good in-person at a physical store. In some instances, the goods are paid for using payment details not connected to the victim of the compromised account.
These fraudulent orders are frequently fulfilled through ‘click and collect’, allowing offenders to retrieve goods in person.
In May, Report Fraud received 652 reports which mention Argos, a 323 per cent increase compared to April, when 154 reports mentioning the retailer were made. Since the start of 2026, there have been 1,175 reports mentioning the retailer, with May seeing the highest number to date.
Argos has been contacting customers who may have been affected and continues to work closely with partners and shoppers to help protect accounts and prevent further incidents.
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Kettle, Head of Crime Services at Report Fraud, said:
“Report Fraud urges anyone with online retail accounts to remain vigilant and be alert to any unusual or suspicious activity.
“It is essential to take appropriate steps to protect your accounts by following Report Fraud’s guidance. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please report it to Report Fraud via reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.”
How can you protect yourself?
All shoppers with any retailer should take measures to protect their online account. Here is what you can do:
Reset passwords: if you noticed any unauthorised activity on an online account, you should change your password immediately. You should also do this for any accounts that use the same password. A good way to make sure your passwords are secure and strong is to combine 3 random words to create a unique password. You should opt for a passkey if you can.
Enable 2SV: whenever available, protect your online accounts by enabling 2-step verification (2SV).
Shopping online: if you decide to create an account for the store you’re buying from, don’t allow them to store your bank details for future purchases.
If you have been a victim of fraud, you should tell Report Fraud by reporting it on the website at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. Or if you live in Scotland, call 101.
 Fraud can affect anyone within the community, so we want to make sure you have the tools and knowledge to protect yourself from it. It comes in many different forms and across varying channels, whether that's through emails, phone calls or in person encounters. Some adults may be even more vulnerable to fraud or financial abuse, but it is something that everyone can be at risk of. If you’re concerned about someone you know, please contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care. Please see a few resources below to protect you and others from potential fraudsters: For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Lastly, if you think you’ve uncovered a scam, been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, please contact 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at Action Fraud. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
