Trading Standards Report - Scam Adverts On Social Media

19th October 2023

More scam adverts have been reported this week, with more well-known brands being impersonated in social media adverts. One consumer clicked on an advert on Facebook purportedly for fashion retailer Bonmarche.

They were taken to a copycat website with Bonmarche branding, where they spent over £50. Although they received a confirmation email with tracking details, the products didn't arrive.
When they tried to obtain a refund they discovered that the website no longer existed.

How to Avoid

Be wary when clicking on social media adverts or unsolicited emails offering products from well-known brands, particularly if they are advertised at a price that is significantly cheaper than on official websites.

Make sure you have contact information for the seller in case something goes wrong. The website should list a valid return address and contact details - be suspicious if a UK website has a returns address overseas and check that the address is listed with Companies House.

Look out for spelling or grammatical mistakes and poor-quality images - these could mean that a website/store is a scam.

The Get Safe Online Check a Website page is an easy-to-use online tool which helps you to determine whether a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam before you visit it.

Online scam adverts can be reported to the Advertising Standards Authority at www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint/report-an-online-scam-ad

Find out more

Advice on shopping online safely from the National Cyber Security Centre: www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely
Advice from Which?: www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-a-fake-fraudulent-or-scam-website
Trading Standards Scotland: www.tsscot.co.uk/online-shopping