SCAMMERS are targeting boiling Brits in search of cheap air conditioning units, an investigation has found.
Highs of up to 34C are forecast for the coming days, as the nation braces for its third possible heatwave.
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Talks of sunny temperatures are set to send shoppers on the hunt for cooling devices once again.
June’s record heatwave has already led to a shortage of fans and air con units, with retailers such as Lidl and Currys being wiped of the gadgets.
But households planning to order one online have been encouraged to avoid falling for cruel scammers.
The Guardian uncovered several scammers posing as well-known retailers including Aldi, offering discounts on the units.
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One ad on the fake site lists an air conditioner and heater set for £28.13, down from £64.44. “Only five left in stock,” it says.
While another fake site is selling a portable air con unit supposedly marked down from £474 to £149. It also says the sale will end in just a matter of hours.
Olga Altukhova of the cybersecurity company Kaspersky, which uncovered the fake sites, told the outlet: “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 also told the paper it tries to identify and report fake websites.
Genuine offers are only available though its official site and social media accounts. The retailer also does not offer online delivery.
How to avoid getting duped
Martyn James, consumer expert, told The Jattvibe, shoppers should be “cynical about every link or advert you click on”.
“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,” he explained.
“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,” he added.
How to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime
IF you believe you have been 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.
Source: Action Fraud
