Online shoppers are being urged to check their accounts for suspicious activity after a dramatic rise in criminals hijacking retail accounts to place fraudulent orders — with Argos emerging as a key target.
Report Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting service, has revealed a 323% spike in reports mentioning Argos between April and May 2026. In May alone, 652 reports were filed referencing the retailer, up from just 154 in April. Since January 2026, there have been 1,175 reports in total, with May recording the highest monthly figure to date.
How the scam works
Criminals are using login details stolen in previous data breaches to break into shoppers’ existing retail accounts — a tactic made easier by the widespread habit of reusing the same password across multiple websites.
Once inside an account, fraudsters place orders for expensive items and collect them in person using Argos’s click and collect service. In some cases, they pay using payment details that aren’t even linked to the account holder — meaning victims may not immediately notice anything is wrong.
Argos says it has been contacting affected customers and is working with authorities to identify suspicious activity and strengthen its security measures.
What you should do right now
You don’t need to be an Argos customer to be at risk — this type of account takeover fraud can happen with any retailer. Report Fraud recommends taking the following steps:
- Change your passwords — if you spot anything unusual on any online account, update your password immediately. Do the same for any other accounts using the same password. The advice is to create a passphrase using three random words, and to use a passkey where possible.
- Switch on 2-step verification (2SV) — this adds an extra layer of security so that even if someone has your password, they can’t get in without a second form of verification.
- Don’t save your bank details — when shopping online, avoid allowing retailers to store your payment information for future use.
Report it
Detective Chief Inspector Steven Kettle, Head of Crime Services at Report Fraud, said the public should stay alert and act quickly if they notice anything suspicious: “It is essential to take appropriate steps to protect your accounts by following Report Fraud’s guidance.”
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, you can report it at reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you’re in Scotland, call 101.