Derbyshire Police’s cyber crime team has issued a warning about a scam involving organized crime groups offering fake heavily discounted deals from retail providers on social media. According to the police, there have been 30 instances in the county this year where individuals have transferred money to what they believed were legitimate supermarkets, electronics, and catalogue retailers. The scam involves offering discounts ranging from 40% to 70% off items and services, with the ultimate goal of obtaining victims’ bank details.
PC Colin Smith, leading the force’s Operation Chipper, emphasized that the scam’s hallmark is deals that appear “too good to be true.” The fraudulent scheme operates by having victims pay what they perceive to be legitimate retailers offering substantial discounts. The promised items are never delivered, and victims may suffer a double loss if scammers gain access to their online shopping accounts to place orders for themselves. PC Smith cited recent examples of fake deals for Morrisons delivery, Currys, and Very.co.uk, advertising high-end electronic items such as mobile phones and laptops. The police noted that these advertisements are often swiftly removed from social media and replaced with new ones, indicating a well-organized criminal operation. Derbyshire Police is urging anyone who has responded to such advertisements, made payments, and either did not receive their items or had orders cancelled to come forward as potential witnesses.