Warning Issued to Online Shoppers After Surge in Retail Account Fraud – North Yorkshire Police

Cayton residents are being urged to take extra care when shopping online following a significant rise in criminals gaining unauthorised access to retailer accounts to purchase expensive goods.

National reporting shows a sharp increase in cases involving Argos, with Report Fraud confirming a 323% rise in reports mentioning the retailer between April and May. Criminals are exploiting login details leaked in data breaches, taking advantage of people who reuse the same password across multiple accounts.

Once inside an account, offenders place online orders and collect the goods in person using click and collect, sometimes even using payment details not linked to the victim.

Since the start of 2026, 1,175 reports have mentioned Argos, with May seeing the highest number so far. The retailer is working closely with authorities and contacting customers who may have been affected.

Detective Chief Inspector Steven Kettle of Report Fraud said shoppers should remain alert to unusual account activity and take steps to secure their online profiles.

How to Protect Your Online Accounts

• Reset passwords — If you spot any suspicious activity, change your password immediately. Update any other accounts using the same password. Strong passwords can be created by combining three random words or by using a passkey.
• Enable 2‑step verification — Turn on 2SV wherever possible to add an extra layer of protection.
• Avoid storing payment details — When creating accounts for online shopping, choose not to save your card details for future purchases.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud, report it at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. Residents in Scotland should contact 101.