🚨 SMART ALERT: FAKE SUPERMARKET WEBSITES AND ONLINE SCAMS 🚨

🚨 SMART ALERT: FAKE SUPERMARKET WEBSITES AND ONLINE SCAMS 🚨

Residents are being warned to stay vigilant following reports of fraudulent websites and social media adverts impersonating well-known supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury's.

Criminals are creating fake websites that closely resemble genuine supermarket pages, often advertising heavily discounted products, food hampers, air fryers, electrical goods, loyalty rewards, or "closing down" sales. These scams are designed to steal personal information and payment details.

⚠️ Warning Signs

Prices that seem too good to be true.

Websites with unusual web addresses or spelling mistakes.

Requests for excessive personal information.

Pressure to act quickly due to a "limited-time offer".

Promotions shared only through social media adverts rather than official supermarket channels.

✅ How to Protect Yourself

Visit supermarket websites by typing the address directly into your browser.

Check the website address carefully before making a purchase.

Be cautious of adverts on social media offering unbelievable discounts.

Use secure payment methods where possible.

Research unfamiliar websites before entering payment details.

📢 If You Think You Have Been Scammed

Contact your bank immediately if you have provided payment details.

Change any passwords that may have been compromised.

Report the incident to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

Inform family, friends, and vulnerable neighbours who may be targeted.

Please share this warning within your communities to help protect others from becoming victims of online fraud.

Neighbourhood Policing Team
Working together to keep our communities safe. 🔒💻

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Message Sent By
Sian Muddeman
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, East Staffordshire)