Currys - September 2026

Currys – September 2026

On this week’s Watchdog, Nick Stapleton investigates Currys, after hearing from customers that they hadn’t received what they had ordered. We meet Andrew, who paid £2700 for an Apple MacBook from Currys. He ordered one in black, but a silver one arrived. It also had old sticker marks on – signs, he felt showed that, it had been used. He reported it to Currys and was instructed to send it back. Upon receiving the replacement, he took it to Currys and filmed them opening it. Inside was the same laptop he had returned three weeks earlier. He asked for a refund, but it was rejected. Andrew says he’s astonished at their reaction and treatment. Watchdog later discovered his warranty had been activated 19 days BEFORE he bought it.

Lucy bought an iPhone for £750 from Currys Carlisle, but inside the package was a fake phone. She attempted to return it twice, but each time, she received the exact same dummy handset. Currys refused to refund her. She managed to get her money back from her bank.

Lee in Aldershot bought a £3300 Apple MacBook from Currys. Upon opening it, he found two bags of rice. Lee contacted Apple, which told him the 12-month warranty had been activated on the device 16 days before he bought it. However, Currys refused to reopen the complaint.

Watchdog found cases like this across the UK, disproving the theory this might be the work of one bad actor. The evidence indicates retail fraud, where criminals switch out high-value tech for low-value substitutes before returning them. The fraud goes undetected by Currys which sells these items on.

When we put our allegations to Currys, it said it serves millions of customers in-store and online every year, helping them enjoy amazing tech. We were told that in the exceptionally rare circumstances that a customer receives the incorrect order, Currys will always investigate to ensure things are put right.

Andrew has received a full refund plus compensation. Lee recovered the money through his bank, which is being reimbursed by Currys.