Tesco alerts police as supermarket becomes latest victim of scam ‘endorsement’ ads

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-21 • Permanent link

Frantic calls were made to the City of London police after Tesco, the UK's largest supermarket chain, alerted authorities about a suspicious advertising campaign. The supermarket giant claimed that its image had been hijacked by scammers who had created fake endorsement ads featuring Tesco products. The ads were reportedly displayed on social media platforms and online shopping websites, with fake celebrity endorsements from popular footballers such as Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. As a result, Tesco's stock price plummeted by 3.5% in a single day, leaving investors scrambling to adjust their portfolios.

Economists are warning that this latest scam could have far-reaching consequences for the retail industry. With the rise of social media, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, making it easier for them to target unsuspecting consumers. As a result, investors are becoming more cautious, with many warning of a potential downturn in the market. The impact on consumers is also significant, with many being misled into buying products they didn't need or want. The result is a loss of trust in the advertising industry, which could have long-term effects on consumer behavior.

Experts point to the rise of influencer marketing as a contributing factor to the problem. With the increasing popularity of social media, brands have turned to influencers to promote their products, often with disastrous consequences. The lack of regulation in the influencer marketing space has created a breeding ground for scammers, who can easily create fake endorsements and sell them to unsuspecting brands. This has led to a surge in fake ads, with many brands being targeted by scammers who are looking to make a quick profit.

Regulators are now under pressure to take action to protect consumers and brands from these types of scams. The UK government has announced plans to introduce new regulations on influencer marketing, with a focus on ensuring that brands are aware of the risks associated with fake endorsements. As the situation continues to unfold, investors and consumers will be watching closely to see how the industry responds to this latest crisis.