Just Eat customers warned as scam hits booze orders – pay up but no delivery!
Fraud Alert: 23 Fake Booze Sellers Caught on Just Eat
Just Eat users have been hit by a nasty scam involving fake listings selling alcohol. Consumer watchdog Which? uncovered 23 bogus businesses on the platform. These scammers take your cash, mark orders as ‘delivered’, but customers get zilch – no booze, no refund, just a headache.
Many fake shops sport phony addresses and suspiciously perfect five-star reviews to lure in unsuspecting buyers. It’s a crafty con that’s leaving people out of pocket.
Spotted a Fake? How to Dodge Just Eat Scams
- Scrutinise Reviews: Look beyond glowing five-star ratings. One-star reviews often reveal the truth.
- Double Check Addresses: Use online maps. If it’s a self-storage unit or weird spot, steer clear.
- Contact Details Matter: No real phone number or website? That’s a red flag.
- Know Your Brands: Unfamiliar names? Do a quick fact check before buying.
Victims Speak Out: Parties Ruined, Orders “Delivered” But Never Arrived
Shoppers report payments taken, but no deliveries. One fuming customer said,
“They said it was delivered, but I have cameras to prove it never came. Completely ruined our party!!!”
Another simply wrote,
“Never received my order.”
Calls to these ‘businesses’ go unanswered, or customers get flimsy excuses before being ghosted.
Just Eat’s Reaction: Apologies and Purges Underway
In response, Just Eat apologised and confirmed action. A spokesperson explained,
“We have strict onboarding and compliance checks. Most partners are legit, but a few bad apples slip through. We are suspending these fraudulent stores while investigating and processing refunds.”
They pledged to tighten controls to protect customers going forward.
What To Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Request a refund via the Just Eat app immediately.
- Contact your bank for chargeback or Section 75 protection if you used a credit card.
- Report fraud to Action Fraud or Police Scotland.
The Bigger Picture: Just Eat’s Climb and Crackdown
Launched in Denmark in 2001, Just Eat has grown into a £2 billion giant, now delivering everything from food to booze, cosmetics, gadgets, and even sex toys.
But with millions relying on the app, it’s under fire for allowing scammers to slip through the cracks. Experts call for tougher fraud checks to stop dodgy listings and protect customers from getting stung again.
