Experts have issued an urgent warning to Marks and Spencer shoppers to be wary of a fake website that is aiming to steal personal data.
The site is popping up online as an advert that takes customers to a misleading page, reports Wales Online. This page is not associated with M&S in any way.
The website then asks people to input sensitive information that could lead to scammers stealing their data for personal gain. The warning was shared by online discount site Wethrift - and the founder has also issued some information about the false site, and what occurs when people come across it.
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Nick Drewe, founder of the discount site, said: "These misleading scam adverts are sending shoppers to fake websites that have nothing to do with M&S, luring them in with the opportunity to receive a £100 gift card.
"Once shoppers are directed to the fake website, the page will then ask for personal data, tricking shoppers into being potential victims of fraud."
As online shopping is now a hugely popular way to purchase everything from clothing to your weekly shop, scams are unfortunately a common sight.
In order to keep safe online, Nick has shared some top tips to keep people aware of scams when placing orders online.
Order confirmation scams
A common technique that scammers use is fake order confirmation emails. These messages will claim that an order has been confirmed on a reputable site, but the email doesn't include what the order is.
Instead, people will be asked to click on a link to find out. If you do so, then you could be directed to a page that looks like the retailer's website - but it is fraudsters who will receive any personal data you input.
Fake invoices
Another typical example is a fake invoice from a scam artist, that claims your payment has not been received. It will then ask you to re-enter your bank details or a request from someone on PayPal asking for payment.
If you receive one of these invoices unexpectedly, regardless of whether you did make a similar purchase, you must read the information carefully and compare it to your latest bank statement.
Billing error scam
Scammers are also known to email shoppers to say that their billing information is incorrect, and that they need to change it immediately - or risk missing out.
Usually, when there is a false sense of urgency, people should be more suspicious that it may be a scam. The fraudsters are hoping to draw people into entering their bank details into a website that they've made look real - but it is fake.
If you are unsure at all about whether an order has gone through, contact the retailer directly with any order confirmation or information so they can give you legitimate information on your account.
Receiving instant messages
People may receive a suspicious-looking message with a link to a well-known website, urging you to click to secure a great deal.
However, the link is usually fake, and clicking on it will unleash malware onto your device - making your personal information vulnerable.
Scammers will replicate the URL of the retailer’s website and layouts URLs, and as time has gone on, they have become extremely good at it - making it hard to spot whether it is fraudulent or not.
Once they have encouraged people to click, they will then send phishing messages and keylogging malware straight to the target's device.
Phishing emails
A more modern method of scamming people is through phishing emails that trick customers into disclosing sensitive confidential information. Therefore, it is important to not click on any links or pop-ups from sources that you are not familiar with.
The same thing goes for websites that contain dodgy URLs - ones with no ‘https.’ or locked padlock symbol on the bar - or sites with poor design.
Fake product reviews
Fake Amazon reviews have particularly skyrocketed in commonality recently. These reviews usually feature unusual turns of phrases and are over-packed with technical jargon.
However, humans are the ones promoting these, often for payment from the product manufacturer in return.
There are 'review exchange' clubs online, normally on social media sites, where sellers on sites like Amazon will offer goods in return for overly generous comments - often ones that are extremely misleading.
What to do if you think you have been scammed
Contact your bank, this should be the first thing on your priority list. Immediately replace your cards and change your security details. If you have been scammed, your bank is obligated by law to refund you.
Also contact Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. You can contact them on 0300 123 2040 to report a scam or visit the ActionFraud website.
You can also contact the police on 101 if you are currently being subjected to a live and ongoing cyber attack.
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