PERTHSHIRE RESIDENTS have been warned to be aware of internet shopping scams when buying online this Christmas.
Trading standards officers employed by Perth and Kinross Council have advised festive shoppers to take steps to make sure they do not become a victim of fraud.
Recent years have seen a significant increase in “copycat” websites. These are created by scammers to look like popular High Street store websites.
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council’s trading standards explained the pitfalls of the online scams.
“The goods are often sold at a price just below the price of the genuine goods leading consumers to think they are getting a bargain, rather than fake goods,” he said.
“On the other hand, there are websites where it is obvious that the goods are fake as they are being sold at hugely discounted prices.
“It is possible that these websites are a front for identity theft.”
The spokesperson said that consumers may not receive any goods, but will have passed their financial details to the scammers.
“If you do receive your goods, they will most likely be of inferior quality and could be dangerous,” he added.
Trading standards officers have offered a range of tips to shop safely online. These include checking trader’s details on their website and perhaps calling the phone number to confirm its validity.
They also advise people to use a domain name search to check where a company is registered.
In addition, Perthshire shoppers have been urged not to pay for goods by money order or money vouchers, as these are untraceable.
“Shoppers should use a credit card, as purchases of £100 or more are protected under the Consumer Credit Act 1974,” the council spokesperson said.
“We advise not to click on links in emails to get to a website. This can be how scammers get you to their website instead of the legitimate one.
“Also, do not click on links in emails purporting to be from your bank. This is how scammers attempt to get your bank login details.
“Ensure that you have effective and up-to-date antivirus/antispyware software installed and running, and that your firewall is on before you go online, and always log out of sites into which you have logged in or registered details.
“And watch out for pop-ups appearing asking you to confirm your card details before you are at the payment stage. Never enter your PIN number online.”
For up-to-date information about scams happening locally, visit pkc.gov.uk or follow Perth and Kinross Council on Twitter at
Twitter.com/PerthandKinross
.
Anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a scam should phone Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 08454 04 05 06.
preoch@thecourier.co.uk