Derbyshire Police warns of fake retail deals scam on social media

Organised crime groups are posting fake discounts of up to 70% from retailers like Morrisons and Currys. Derbyshire Police has recorded 30 cases in the county this year.

Fake social media shopping deals target Derbyshire residents, 30 cases recorded

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that Derbyshire Police has issued a public warning about an organised scam in which criminal groups post fake heavily discounted deals from well-known retail brands on social media platforms.

The force's cyber crime team confirmed 30 instances in the county this year of residents handing over money to what they believed were legitimate supermarkets, electronics retailers and catalogue providers. Discounts advertised ranged from 40% to 70% off items and services.

PC Colin Smith, who is leading the force's Operation Chipper, described it as a "new tactic" from scammers to harvest victims' bank details. "The classic sign is if it's too good to be true, it generally is," he told the BBC.

Among recent examples Smith identified were fake deals impersonating Morrisons delivery, Currys and Very.co.uk, with adverts promoting high-end electronic items including mobile phones and laptops. The fraudulent posts are typically deleted from social media shortly after going live, with new ones quickly replacing them.

Victims face a double hit: goods are never delivered, and scammers who obtain access to a victim's online shopping account can place further orders in their name.

Smith outlined the operation's structure. "It's usually broken down into different elements — you've got people who are doing the technical side so compromising these online shopping accounts," he said. "You've then got people who are recruited as what we call money mules who are doing the collecting of goods and handling cash."

The officer added that the criminal networks involved appear to be predominantly based in the United Kingdom. "It is really organised offending," he said.

Derbyshire Police is urging anyone who responded to such adverts, paid money and either failed to receive goods or had an order cancelled by the retailer to come forward as a potential witness in their investigation.

Smith issued a direct caution to the public: "You should never trust a link on social media or that's been sent to you via a message or email."

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)