Scams Are Everywhere

AI-generated mockups and throwaway websites have made the novelty card market a minefield in 2026. We've been printing legal novelty cards since 1996, so we've seen every scam going. This page is here to help you spot them before you hand over your money.

How the Scams Work Now

The tactics have got cleverer over the years:

  • AI mockups — Scammers use AI to generate realistic-looking card previews. The card in the picture doesn't exist. You'll either get something that looks like it was printed on a cereal box, or nothing at all.

  • Clone sites — They copy a real seller's website, accept payment, and vanish. We've had our own site cloned multiple times.

  • Telegram/Discord sellers — They ask for your photos and personal details, take payment in crypto, then disappear. Classic.

Experian reported that identity fraud made up 59% of all UK fraud cases in 2024. Our cards are entertainment products with nothing to do with identity fraud, but the sheer number of scam sites out there means you need to be careful who you buy from.

Disclaimer: Fake ID UK novelty cards are legal and sold for entertainment only. Using them for anything illegal is prohibited — see our Terms and Conditions.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Crypto-only payment — If they'll only take cryptocurrency or direct bank transfer with no proper checkout, walk away.

  • No address or contact details — A real seller publishes a UK address and has a working contact form. No address = no accountability.

  • The website looks rubbish — Typos, broken links, missing policies. If they can't build a proper site, they're not printing proper cards.

  • No novelty disclaimer — Any legitimate seller makes you acknowledge the cards are for novelty use. If they don't mention it, they're either dodgy or they don't exist.

  • Suspiciously cheap prices — A proper PVC card costs money to produce. If someone's offering them for £5, you're not getting a card.

How to Check a Seller Is Legit

Before you order from anywhere, do these five things:

  1. Look them up — Check Companies House or verify the address they've listed. If there's no company registration, that's a problem.

  2. Read their policies — Terms, privacy policy, refund policy. If any of these are missing, don't order.

  3. Check the payment page — Is it actually secure? Is there a proper checkout, or just a crypto wallet address?

  4. Message them — Send an enquiry. See if anyone replies. We respond on weekdays.

  5. Find real reviews — Not the ones on their own site. Third-party reviews from people who actually received a card. Be sceptical of "verified vendor lists" — some of those are scams too.

Already Been Scammed?

Stop all contact with the scammer immediately. Then:

  1. Report it to Action Fraud — File a report with all the transaction details you have.

  2. Call your bank — Ask for a chargeback or Section 75 refund if you paid by card. Crypto payments are much harder to recover.

  3. Change your passwords — If you gave them personal details or photos, assume the worst and lock down your accounts.

  4. Talk to a solicitor — Worth it if you've lost a significant amount.

Steps to Take If You've Been Scammed

Cut off all communication with the fraudulent seller immediately, then:

  1. Report to Action Fraud: File a report with the UK's national fraud reporting service at Action Fraud, including all transaction details.

  2. Contact Your Bank: Request a chargeback or a Section 75 refund for card payments. Recovery options for cryptocurrency payments are limited.

  3. Secure Your Accounts: Change passwords and monitor your accounts for signs of identity theft.

  4. Get Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor if you have suffered significant financial loss.

What to Do If Scammed

If you suspect you’ve been scammed:

Stop communicating with the scam site immediately.

  1. Report to Action Fraud: Contact the UK’s fraud reporting service aAction Fraud with details of the transaction.

  2. Contact Your Bank: Request chargebacks or Section 75 refunds for card payments. For cryptocurrency, recovery may be limited.

  3. Secure Your Data: Change passwords and monitor accounts for identity theft risks.

  4. Seek Legal Advice: Consult a solicitor if significant losses occur.