Overview

• Santander reports customers said £3,742 was stolen in July–September, up from £724 in January–March and £1,536 in April–June.
• The bank says almost all scams are occurring on social media and messaging apps, exploiting health concerns to lure buyers.
• Fraudsters often market products with vague labels such as “weight loss pen,” “metabolic booster,” or “skinny jab” to obscure prescription requirements.
• Consumer advisers urge buyers to use registered pharmacies, avoid bank transfers, and choose payment methods with buyer protection; Which? stresses verifying providers.
• Reports say seizures of illegal weight-loss jabs are rising, with further increases predicted after a Mounjaro price rise, as Stop Scams UK condemns criminals’ tactics.