London - British police have shut down more than 2,000 scam websites flogging fake designer goods to unwitting bargain hunters.
The sites claimed to offer big-name brands at knock-down prices, including sports chain Nike, jewellery company Tiffany and Australian luxury boot company Ugg.
They duped online shoppers into handing over cash, but in many cases the goods failed to arrive or if they did, turned out to be fake.
A spokesman from the Metropolitan Police’s Central e-Crime Unit says thousands of websites selling millions of pounds worth of counterfeit goods were shut during the crackdown. All were registered outside of the UK.
He warned that victims also risk having their identities, credit card or bank details stolen by the criminals behind the sites.
To avoid being scammed when buying goods online, be sure to check you’re buying from a reputable retailer and use your credit card where possible for extra protection. - Daily Mail