Cannabis Online Scam: How Mark Almost Got Scammed Buying Cannabis Online

Published: 8 August 2024
Last Updated: 24 July 2026
Last Reviewed: 24 July 2026
Author: Weed Supermarket Editorial Team

A Customer’s Story

The internet has made it easier than ever to research hemp and cannabinoid products, but it has also created opportunities for increasingly sophisticated online scams.

Fraudsters often build convincing-looking websites, fake courier services and counterfeit payment pages designed to steal money or personal information from unsuspecting customers.

The following story is based on a real experience shared with us by one of our customers. While the names used are limited to protect privacy, the scam itself follows a pattern that has become increasingly common across many online industries.

If you’ve found this page after searching for information about online cannabis scams, we also recommend reading our comprehensive Cannabis Scams UK guide, which is regularly updated with new scam techniques.

Watch: UK Weed Scams Exposed

Mark’s Experience

Mark contacted us after losing money to what initially appeared to be a professional online retailer.

The website looked genuine. It featured product photographs, customer reviews, delivery information and contact pages that appeared convincing at first glance.

After placing an order and making payment, Mark received confirmation that his parcel had supposedly been dispatched through a courier service called XtraMailingService.

The courier website included tracking information showing the parcel moving through different stages of delivery, giving the impression that everything was progressing normally.

However, shortly afterwards, Mark received another email claiming that additional payments were required before the parcel could be released.

The reasons given included:

Import duties.
Insurance fees.
Customs charges.
Security deposits.
Refundable delivery bonds.

This was the point at which Mark realised something was wrong.

Fortunately, he had originally paid using PayPal’s Goods & Services option rather than sending money through an unprotected payment method. He opened a dispute and successfully recovered his payment.

Had he used a payment method with little or no buyer protection, recovering the money could have been far more difficult.

How This Cannabis Online Scam Works

This type of fraud usually follows the same basic pattern.

A professional-looking website advertises products at attractive prices.
The customer places an order and sends payment.
A fake courier service is introduced.
Tracking information is provided to build confidence.
The customer is told an unexpected payment is required.
If the customer pays again, further fees often follow.
Eventually communication stops altogether.

Many victims never receive any goods because the products were never dispatched in the first place.

Warning Signs to Look For

Although every scam is different, several warning signs appear repeatedly.

Unexpected Courier Charges

One of the biggest warning signs is being asked to make additional payments after an order has supposedly been dispatched.

Fraudsters often describe these as:

Insurance.
Customs clearance.
Tax.
Storage fees.
Courier administration costs.
Release charges.

Legitimate retailers should clearly explain delivery costs before payment is taken.

Fake Courier Companies

Some scammers create entirely fictitious courier businesses.

These websites often include:

Professional branding.
Parcel tracking.
Delivery timelines.
Customer service email addresses.
Terms and conditions.

Despite looking convincing, they exist solely to persuade victims that another payment is required.

Pressure to Pay Quickly

Scammers frequently claim that payment must be made immediately or the parcel will:

Be destroyed.
Be returned.
Incur daily storage fees.
Be seized.
Be reported to authorities.

Creating urgency reduces the likelihood that victims will stop to verify what they are being told.

Unprotected Payment Methods

Many scams encourage payment through methods offering little or no buyer protection.

Examples can include:

PayPal Friends & Family.
Cryptocurrency.
Gift cards.
Money transfer services.
Direct transfers where recovery may be difficult.

Always understand the protections offered by your chosen payment method before sending money.

How to Reduce Your Risk

No method can eliminate fraud entirely, but several simple checks can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

Research the business before ordering.
Read reviews from multiple independent sources.
Verify company contact information.
Look for clear terms and conditions.
Check whether delivery information appears realistic.
Be cautious of unusually low prices.
Question any request for additional payments.
Never allow yourself to be rushed.

If You’ve Already Paid

If you believe you’ve been targeted by an online scam:

Stop sending further payments.
Keep copies of emails, invoices and screenshots.
Contact your payment provider immediately.
Report the website where appropriate.
Change passwords if you have shared account credentials.
Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity.

The sooner action is taken, the greater the chance of limiting any financial loss.

Why Buyer Protection Matters

Mark’s experience demonstrates the importance of understanding how different payment methods protect consumers.

Some payment providers offer dispute procedures or buyer protection for eligible purchases, while others may provide little or no protection once funds have been transferred.

Before completing any online purchase, it is worth understanding what options would be available if the goods never arrived or the seller proved to be fraudulent.

Online Scams Continue to Evolve

Fraud techniques change constantly.

Criminals increasingly use:

AI-generated content.
Fake customer reviews.
Professional website templates.
Copied business identities.
Spoofed emails.
Convincing parcel tracking systems.

As these scams become more sophisticated, taking time to verify a retailer before placing an order becomes increasingly important.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common online cannabis scam?

One common scam involves a fake retailer taking payment before introducing a fictitious courier company that requests additional fees such as insurance, customs charges or taxes.

Are fake courier companies common?

Yes. Fraudsters sometimes create convincing courier websites with parcel tracking purely to persuade victims that another payment is required.

Should I pay unexpected delivery charges after ordering?

Unexpected requests for additional payments should always be treated with caution. Before sending further money, verify the request directly with the retailer using independently obtained contact details.

Can I recover money after being scammed?

Recovery depends on the payment method used and the circumstances of the transaction. Contact your payment provider as soon as possible if you believe you have been defrauded.

What should I do if I suspect a scam?

Stop making payments, preserve all communications, contact your payment provider and report the suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities.

How can I avoid online scams?

Research retailers carefully, verify contact information, read independent reviews, understand your payment protections and be cautious of pressure tactics or requests for unexpected fees.

Final Thoughts

Mark was fortunate because he recognised the warning signs before losing further money.

Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky. Online scams continue to become more convincing, with professional-looking websites and sophisticated fake courier systems making fraud increasingly difficult to identify.

Taking a few extra minutes to research a retailer, understand your payment protections and question unexpected requests for additional money can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

If something doesn’t feel right, pause, verify the information independently and never allow yourself to be pressured into making another payment.

Compliance Statement

This article is provided for educational and consumer awareness purposes. It describes common fraud techniques reported by consumers but 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 and report the matter to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.