"The big clue is a business that does not accept debit or credit card payments"
Scammers are exploiting the heatwave by targeting Britons searching online for cheap air conditioning units.
Amid the hot weather, cybersecurity experts have uncovered fake retail websites offering heavily discounted cooling devices to lure shoppers.
Fraudsters are posing as trusted retailers, including Aldi, using false scarcity tactics and time-limited discounts to encourage quick purchases.
Experts are urging consumers to remain vigilant as demand for fans and air conditioning units continues to rise.
Shoppers are being warned that falling for these scams could result in financial losses and stolen personal information.
An investigation by The Guardian uncovered several fake websites impersonating well-known retailers.
One fraudulent site claimed to be offering an air conditioner and heater for £28.13, reduced from £64.44, alongside the message: “Only five left in stock.”
Another fake website advertised a portable air conditioning unit reduced from £474 to £149, while claiming the sale would end within hours.
Olga Altukhova of cybersecurity company Kaspersky, which uncovered the fake websites, said:
“When demand spikes, warnings that only a few items are left or that a discount is about to expire can easily compel users to enter financial details or personal data.”
She also warned against “opening links on emails that may lead you to such sites”.
Aldi said it works to identify and report fraudulent websites. The supermarket said genuine offers are only available through its official website and social media channels. It also reminded shoppers that it does not offer online delivery.
Consumer expert Martyn James also urged shoppers to remain cautious when buying online.
He told The Sun shoppers should be “cynical about every link or advert you click on”.
James explained: “The big clue is a business that does not accept debit or credit card payments, only ‘pay by bank’.
“This is a bank transfer and once you make it, it’s hard to recall it. So don’t be fooled – even the smallest firm can take card payments.
“So don’t be fooled, even the smallest firm can take card payments. Watch out for PayPal’s ‘friends and family’ option too.
“PayPal can recall money sent to a fraudster, but not if you use the friends and family option, as this is basically a bank transfer too.”
How to Protect Yourself from Fraud
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, call 0300 123 2040.
- Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.
- Make sure your computer has up-to-date anti-virus software and a firewall installed. Ensure your browser is set to the highest level of security and monitoring to prevent malware issues and computer crimes.
- Remember that banks and financial institutions will not send you an email asking you to click on a link and confirm your bank details. Do not trust such emails, even if they look genuine
- Destroy and preferably shred receipts with your card details on and post with your name and address on.
- Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it.
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