‘This can happen anywhere’ shoppers warn about perfume scam to be weary of this Xmas as it sweeps British high streets
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A PROLIFIC perfume scam sweeping the high street could leave you hundreds out of pocket this Christmas, shoppers have warned. Fraudsters are reportedly buying luxury perfumes, swapping the legitimate bottle for a fake one and then returning the box (with the counterfeit perfume now inside) to the store.
![[One shopper thought she had purchased this luxury bottle of perfume]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/19441944-cfc6-4b17-adb1-da3f1e925e2a.jpg?strip=all&w=682)
It’s a minefield for people buying perfumes and aftershaves as Christmas gifts, given they don’t want to open the box before the receiver of the present. But this step might be a necessary addition to your Yuletide shopping routine due to the scam.
![[But instead, this was in the box she paid £104 for]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/764a0445-7953-4f82-ae34-63456991309f.jpg?strip=all&w=678)
It is reportedly taking place in all major cosmetic retailers on the great British high street, including Boots, Argos and Superdrug, according to shoppers who have fallen victim to it. Shoppers Zuzka Patrick took to Facebook earlier this month to share her experience.
She purchased what she thought was a bottle of the £104 Rabanne Olympea Eau De Parfum. But when she opened the box at home, she immediately noticed that the bottle inside the box wasn’t legitimate. It was made from cheaper material, and had a totally different shape and lid to the luxury version.
Zuzka returned the fragrance to the retailer, who she says has “opened a case and will investigate further”. The shop also replaced the dud product and gave her the legitimate version. “I'm so glad they swapped it for you,” one woman commented on the post.
