Menu
18/11/2011
2,000 Fraud Sites Taken Off-Line
Online shoppers are less likely to fall foul of internet fraudsters this Christmas after some 2,000 "fraudulent" websites were suspended by the Met's Police Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU).
According to the Metropolitan Police on Friday, the shut sites generally purported to sell a raft of designer goods, including brands such as Nike, GHD, Tiffany and Ugg.
However, working closely with domain name registries and registrars, detectives from the unit identified and instigated action against the counterfeit and fraudulent sites, which affect thousands of unassuming consumers, generating millions of pounds for the criminals behind them.
Innocent online shoppers are duped into handing over their money in exchange for what appear to be ‘bargain’ purchases. Those items then either never materialise or are revealed to be counterfeit goods.
Victims of the sites also run the risk that the criminals behind them could potentially steal their identity, credit card and banking details for criminal activity elsewhere.
Detective Inspector Paul Hoare of PCeU said: “The sites suspended are registered in bulk by crime groups with the sole intention of duping consumers into parting with their money for, at best, poor quality counterfeit goods, at worst, nothing at all. In the run up to Christmas the PCeU will continue to work with Nominet and other registries to disable as many such sites as possible but I would urge customers to take all precautions to ensure they buy from legitimate sites only.”
The Met advised that online consumers could take some precautionary measures to reduce their chance of becoming a victim of such websites.
"Know who you are dealing with - Check manufacturers' websites to ensure you are buying from an approved and reputable retailer
"Be careful how you pay - If the purchase is over £100 consider using a credit card to protect your purchase, buy goods online through secure and encrypted payment systems, don't be drawn off the site to other forms of payment and consider separate credit cards or accounts for online shopping.
"Protect your personal details - Don't give away personal details unnecessarily, don't ever reveal passwords or PIN numbers.
"Protect your computer - Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software on you computer, use a firewall and update you computer's software regularly.
(DW)
According to the Metropolitan Police on Friday, the shut sites generally purported to sell a raft of designer goods, including brands such as Nike, GHD, Tiffany and Ugg.
However, working closely with domain name registries and registrars, detectives from the unit identified and instigated action against the counterfeit and fraudulent sites, which affect thousands of unassuming consumers, generating millions of pounds for the criminals behind them.
Innocent online shoppers are duped into handing over their money in exchange for what appear to be ‘bargain’ purchases. Those items then either never materialise or are revealed to be counterfeit goods.
Victims of the sites also run the risk that the criminals behind them could potentially steal their identity, credit card and banking details for criminal activity elsewhere.
Detective Inspector Paul Hoare of PCeU said: “The sites suspended are registered in bulk by crime groups with the sole intention of duping consumers into parting with their money for, at best, poor quality counterfeit goods, at worst, nothing at all. In the run up to Christmas the PCeU will continue to work with Nominet and other registries to disable as many such sites as possible but I would urge customers to take all precautions to ensure they buy from legitimate sites only.”
The Met advised that online consumers could take some precautionary measures to reduce their chance of becoming a victim of such websites.
"Know who you are dealing with - Check manufacturers' websites to ensure you are buying from an approved and reputable retailer
"Be careful how you pay - If the purchase is over £100 consider using a credit card to protect your purchase, buy goods online through secure and encrypted payment systems, don't be drawn off the site to other forms of payment and consider separate credit cards or accounts for online shopping.
"Protect your personal details - Don't give away personal details unnecessarily, don't ever reveal passwords or PIN numbers.
"Protect your computer - Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software on you computer, use a firewall and update you computer's software regularly.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 March 2010
Shoppers Unlikely To Return Online Goods
Almost two-thirds of UK consumers are less likely to return goods they buy online, compared to those they buy on the high street, according to the Department of Business. This is despite an extra right to a seven-day cooling-off period for online goods.
Shoppers Unlikely To Return Online Goods
Almost two-thirds of UK consumers are less likely to return goods they buy online, compared to those they buy on the high street, according to the Department of Business. This is despite an extra right to a seven-day cooling-off period for online goods.
26 April 2012
Sites Selling Credit Card Info Shut Down
Dozens of websites offering credit card details and other private information for sale have been taken offline in the culmination of a two-year global police operation. Credit card numbers or bank account details of millions of unsuspecting victims were sold for as little as £2.
Sites Selling Credit Card Info Shut Down
Dozens of websites offering credit card details and other private information for sale have been taken offline in the culmination of a two-year global police operation. Credit card numbers or bank account details of millions of unsuspecting victims were sold for as little as £2.
19 March 2009
Cash Boost For Organisations Run By People With Disabilities
More than £1 million will help disabled groups run their own organisations and help people to live full and independent lives, Care Services Minister, Phil Hope has today announced.
Cash Boost For Organisations Run By People With Disabilities
More than £1 million will help disabled groups run their own organisations and help people to live full and independent lives, Care Services Minister, Phil Hope has today announced.
15 August 2005
Internet auctions provide boost to UK wealth
Selling goods in online auction sites, such as eBay, is helping to boost UK wealth, a new report has claimed. Research conducted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), found that selling goods via internet auction sites, has increased the average UK household’s wealth by around £3,000.
Internet auctions provide boost to UK wealth
Selling goods in online auction sites, such as eBay, is helping to boost UK wealth, a new report has claimed. Research conducted by the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), found that selling goods via internet auction sites, has increased the average UK household’s wealth by around £3,000.
08 March 2006
Report notes increase in child porn sites
The number of child porn sites reported to police has increased by almost 80%, a new report has revealed. The report, by the Internet Watch Foundation, said that public intolerance of child abuse sites and the development of new skills aimed at tackling the distribution of such images had led to the increase in reports.
Report notes increase in child porn sites
The number of child porn sites reported to police has increased by almost 80%, a new report has revealed. The report, by the Internet Watch Foundation, said that public intolerance of child abuse sites and the development of new skills aimed at tackling the distribution of such images had led to the increase in reports.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
