Avoiding Cannabis Scams

Published: 26 September 2024
Last Updated: 24 July 2026
Last Reviewed: 24 July 2026
Author: Weed Supermarket Editorial Team

Lessons from a Customer’s Experience

Online fraud continues to evolve, with scammers creating increasingly convincing websites designed to steal money from unsuspecting customers.

Many of these websites appear professional, include realistic product photographs and even provide convincing customer service emails. Unfortunately, appearances can be deceptive.

The following case study is based on the experience shared with us by one of our customers. We have published it to help others recognise common warning signs and avoid similar scams.

For a broader overview of known scam techniques and websites, visit our regularly updated Cannabis Scams UK guide.

Watch: UK Weed Scams Exposed

David’s Story

David contacted us after placing an order with a website that appeared genuine at first glance.

The retailer advertised cannabis oil vape products and presented itself as an established online business. After checking online, David could not immediately find information suggesting it was fraudulent, so he proceeded with his purchase.

Shortly after making payment, he received an email claiming that his order failed to meet a supposed minimum purchase requirement.

He was told that his order could not be dispatched unless he increased its value and was encouraged to spend more money by being offered a discount on larger purchases.

Believing this was simply part of the company’s ordering process, David made additional payments.

Eventually, the requests escalated further, including instructions to purchase and send an Amazon gift card.

Despite complying with these requests, no products were delivered and communication gradually stopped.

Why Gift Cards Are a Major Warning Sign

Legitimate retailers rarely ask customers to pay using gift cards.

Gift cards are frequently requested by scammers because:

They are difficult to recover once redeemed.
Funds can be transferred quickly.
Transactions often bypass normal buyer protection.
Victims may not realise they are being defrauded until it is too late.

If an online retailer asks you to purchase gift cards instead of using its advertised payment process, it should be treated as a significant warning sign.

How These Types of Cannabis Scam Works

Although the details vary, many scams follow a similar sequence.

A professional-looking website attracts customers.
An order is placed and payment is made.
The customer is informed that another payment is required.
Reasons are given that sound believable.
Further payments are requested.
Communication eventually stops.

The objective is often to persuade the customer to continue sending money for as long as possible before they realise they have been defrauded.

Common Excuses Used by Scammers

Fraudsters frequently invent reasons why another payment is supposedly necessary.

Examples include:

Minimum order values.
Insurance fees.
Customs charges.
Delivery upgrades.
Verification payments.
Refundable deposits.
Security bonds.
Administrative fees.

Once one payment has been made, additional requests often continue until the victim refuses to send more money.

Pressure and Urgency

Many scams rely on creating a sense of urgency.

Customers may be told that:

Their order will be cancelled.
Stock is limited.
A discount is about to expire.
The parcel will be destroyed.
Additional fees are increasing each day.

These tactics are designed to encourage quick decisions before the customer has time to question what is happening.

How to Protect Yourself

There is no single way to eliminate the risk of fraud, but the following checks can significantly reduce it.

Research the retailer before ordering.
Read reviews from multiple independent sources.
Verify company contact information.
Be cautious of unusually generous offers.
Question unexpected payment requests.
Never send gift cards as payment.
Understand the buyer protection offered by your payment method.
Take time before making additional payments.

If You’ve Already Sent Money

If you believe you’ve become the victim of an online scam:

Stop sending further payments immediately.
Save copies of emails and receipts.
Contact your payment provider as soon as possible.
Report the website where appropriate.
Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity.
Consider changing passwords if account details have been shared.

Prompt action may improve the chances of recovering funds or preventing further losses.

Cannabis Scams Websites Can Look Professional

Many people assume fraudulent websites are easy to identify.

In reality, scammers increasingly use:

Modern website templates.
Professional product photography.
Copied customer reviews.
Convincing branding.
AI-generated content.
Official-looking emails.

A polished website alone should never be taken as evidence that a business is genuine.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do scammers ask for additional payments?

Additional payment requests are often used to extract as much money as possible before the victim realises the transaction is fraudulent.

Should an online retailer ask me to buy gift cards?

Requests to purchase gift cards as part of an online retail transaction should always be treated with extreme caution.

What should I do if a retailer changes the order price after payment?

Pause the transaction and verify the request independently before sending any additional money.

Can scam websites look genuine?

Yes. Modern scam websites often use professional branding, realistic product images and convincing customer service communications.

Can I recover money after being scammed?

Recovery depends on the payment method and individual circumstances. Contact your payment provider immediately if you believe you have been defrauded.

Where can I report an online scam?

Suspected fraud can be reported to the appropriate authorities, including Action Fraud in the UK.

Final Thoughts

David’s experience illustrates how convincing modern online scams can be.

Rather than relying on obvious warning signs, today’s fraudsters often build professional websites, communicate politely and gradually persuade victims to send additional payments using believable explanations.

Taking time to verify a retailer, understanding how your payment method protects you and refusing unexpected requests for additional money remain some of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

If something doesn’t feel right, stop the transaction and investigate before sending any further funds.

Compliance Statement

This article is provided for educational and consumer awareness purposes only. It describes fraud techniques reported by consumers and should not be interpreted as legal advice or a definitive assessment of any individual business. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud, contact your payment provider immediately and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.