Fireworks sold on Facebook and WhatsApp: the scams, the illegal stock and how to buy safely

What's happening

Bonfire Night falls on Thursday 5 November, and most calendars put Diwali on Sunday 8 November this year. That makes this the busiest week of the year for fireworks, and trading standards teams say a growing share of them are being sold through social media posts, marketplace listings, WhatsApp groups, vans and private homes rather than licensed shops.

Staffordshire County Council warned last autumn that products bought this way may be counterfeit, mislabelled or unsafe, and that large display fireworks meant for professionals have been mis-sold as consumer products. Its cabinet member for community safety said: "it's vital that fireworks are bought from proper, licensed shops." West Northamptonshire Trading Standards put it more bluntly: "Unsafe or illegal fireworks can cause serious harm, and it's simply not worth the risk."

There are two separate risks. One is a plain scam: you pay by bank transfer for a "bonfire bundle" and nothing turns up. The other is that the fireworks do turn up, but they're illegal, untested or the wrong category for home use.

At a glance

• Registered sellers can sell fireworks for private use from 15 October to 10 November, 26 to 31 December, and the three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. Outside those dates, only shops with an all-year licence can sell them.
• You must be 18 to buy adult fireworks (categories 2 and 3). Category 4 fireworks are for professionals only.
• The curfew is 11pm to 7am, extended to midnight on Bonfire Night and to 1am on Diwali, New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year.
• Breaking the rules can mean an unlimited fine and up to six months in prison, or a £90 on-the-spot fine.

The warning signs

• No shop, no address. Collection from a van, a lay-by or someone's garage, or "delivery" arranged by message.
• Bank transfer only, often with pressure to pay now because "stock is nearly gone".
• No CE or UKCA mark, or no instructions in English. Trading standards say fireworks marked only "China Export" haven't been through the same testing.
• No category shown, or very large single items sold as "garden" fireworks.
• No age check. A legitimate seller has to make sure you're over 18.
• Prices well below the shops. Cheap stock is often cheap for a reason.

What it could cost: a worked example

This is an illustration, not a real case. Sam sees a post in a local Facebook group: a "£300 bonfire bundle" of 12 cakes and rockets for £120, cash or bank transfer, collection Wednesday evening. He transfers £120. On Wednesday the seller stops replying.

Sam paid by bank transfer, so his first call is to his bank. Under the reimbursement rules that began on 7 October 2024, a bank should normally refund a victim of an authorised push payment scam, though it can deduct an excess of up to £100. On a £120 loss that could leave Sam with as little as £20 back. Had he paid £120 by credit card to a business, he'd have had a claim against the card provider under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which covers purchases between £100 and £30,000.

If the fireworks had turned up, Sam could still have lost out. Unmarked or professional fireworks bought from an unlicensed seller can be dangerous to use, and setting them off where you shouldn't can lead to a fine.

What to do now

1. Buy from a shop you can walk into, or an established retailer's own website, and check the fireworks carry a CE or UKCA mark and English instructions.
2. Check the category. For a back garden you want category 2 or 3. Never buy category 4.
3. Pay by card, ideally credit card for anything over £100, not by bank transfer to a stranger.
4. Report illegal sellers to trading standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
5. If you've paid a scammer, call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Questions

Can I sell leftover fireworks to a neighbour?

Selling fireworks is a licensed activity. Selling them on without a licence, or to anyone under 18, can break the law. If you have spares, keep them stored safely and dry, out of reach of children.

Are the rules the same in Scotland?

No. Scotland has its own rules, and councils there can set up firework control zones where setting off fireworks is banned. Check your council's website before you buy.

What's the latest I can set them off this week?

Midnight on Thursday 5 November, then back to 11pm. On Diwali night the cut-off is 1am.

Ways to save

An organised public display is usually the cheapest and safest way to see fireworks, and many are free or ask for a donation. If you're having people round afterwards, our Aldi, Iceland and Tesco pages list current offers on food and drink.

Sources: GOV.UK: Fireworks, the law, Staffordshire County Council, West Northamptonshire Council, Scottish Government: firework control zones, Payment Systems Regulator, Consumer Credit Act 1974, section 75