Warning and advice after residents ‘stung’ by copycat websites

Lincolnshire Trading Standards and Lincolnshire Police are warning residents about a new type of copycat website.
 
Trading standards officers say a “significant number” of residents have been in touch about the websites which feature cars, expensive machinery and large plant, all for sale at low prices.

Designed to look like existing local businesses’ websites, they carry copied contact details, addresses and information from Companies House.  But they were full of fake information – con artists had just copied adverts from other websites and changed the prices.

Some residents who contacted the website were persuaded into sending money up front via bank transfer before seeing the cars. After cash had been transferred, the “company” no longer responded to calls or emails. 
Pam Allen, senior trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “People need to be careful when shopping online. Although the majority of websites are genuine, there are a small number, like this one, which are not. They use very sophisticated technology to dupe people into believing what they are seeing.”

Safety tips include:

• Double check the domain name
• Think whether the price is too good to be true
• Never pay by bank transfer
• Browse the website  – look for typos, poor English, contact us details
• Check the returns policy
• Read online reviews
• Double check if the trust mark is genuine

Det Con Stuart Barnes, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “We would ask the public to observe due diligence when shopping online and to consider their actions when spending large sums.

“Take note of Trading Standard’s advice. If it appears too good to be true, then it more than likely is. If in doubt, be very observant and keep researching. If still in doubt, then avoid and report.”

Anyone caught out by such a website is asked to report it to Trading Standards via Citizens’ Advice on 03454 040506 or online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at  www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud