Santander issues warning after £277 disappears from bank accounts
The bank is urging its customers to be vigilant.
Santander has issued a warning after customers discovered missing sums averaging £277 from their bank accounts. The bank has revealed that almost £50,000 was handed to beauty scammers in 2025 - through fake Botox, lip and collagen fillers, and other cosmetic treatments.
Especially around Christmas, it’s even more important to be wary of fraudsters looking for their next victim. Santander and The Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association have urged people to be vigilant this festive season when buying beauty products and services. The average person handed £277 to beauty scammers, reports Birmingham Live. Michelle Pilsworth, head of UK fraud at Santander said: “The beauty and aesthetics industry has blown up in recent months -and fraudsters are taking full advantage.
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“Slick social media profiles and fake reviews might appear trustworthy - but if an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
“The scam typically begins with a fake advert on social media promoting heavily discounted treatments or cosmetics.
“Once a user expresses interest, the seller will often move the conversation to a messaging app to arrange payment by bank transfer or payment link.
“Then the product never arrives or turns out to be fake – and victims are left with nothing but regret.”
Michelle added: “This isn’t just about losing money - it’s about protecting your wellbeing. Fake cosmetic treatments can cause real harm.
“As the festive party season approaches, Santander is urging consumers to be especially vigilant.
“Fraudsters know shoppers are likely to be on the hunt for new deals and low-cost gifts ahead of Christmas, and they’ll use this to their advantage.”
Dr Emma Meredith OBE, director-general of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association commented: “Counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products may look like the brands we love, but the packaging is where the similarity ends.
"You could be buying a product that won’t work in the way you want, or worse, could pose a serious risk to your health.
"Alongside fake goods, online scams selling non-existent products are also on the rise. The cosmetics industry takes consumer safety very seriously.
"Fake, illegal and fraudulent products not only jeopardise consumer wellbeing but also threaten the trust that millions of consumers have in the many legal and safe cosmetic products available and used every day.
"Always make sure you buy your products and services from reputable outlets, be suspicious of any offers that seem unusual or are pushed via social media and remember if a deal seems ‘too good to be true’, it probably is.”
The bank says customers should remain wary, especially around the festive season.
