Warning over fake social media shopping deals

Police have issued a warning about a scam where organised crime groups offer fake heavily discounted deals from retail providers on social media.

Derbyshire Police's cyber crime team told the BBC there have been 30 instances in the county this year of people handing over money to what they thought were supermarkets, electronic and catalogue retailers.

Officers said it was a "new tactic" from scammers to obtain bank details by offering deals ranging from 40% to 70% off items and services.

PC Colin Smith, who is leading the force's Operation Chipper, said: "The classic sign is if it's too good to be true, it generally is."

The scam works by people paying what they think is a legitimate retailer offering heavy discounts.

The items are never delivered and people can be hit twice if scammers access the victim's online shopping account to order goods for themselves.

PC Smith said he had seen recent examples of fake deals set up by scammers for Morrisons delivery, Currys and Very.co.uk advertising high-end electronic items like mobile phones and laptops.

The adverts are often quickly deleted from social media and new ones set up, the force added.

"It is really organised offending," PC Smith said.

"It's usually broken down into different elements - you've got people who are doing the technical side so compromising these online shopping accounts.

"You've then got people who are recruited as what we call money mules who are doing the collecting of goods and handling cash.

"From what we've seen so far, these are predominantly UK-based criminals.

"You should never trust a link on social media or that's been sent to you via a message or email."

• Social media profiles advertising 40% to 70% off grocery shopping, electricals, or high-street retail orders.

• Requests to pay via private bank transfer, payment apps, or cryptocurrency rather than through an official retailer website.

• Orders that were cancelled shortly after being placed or failed to arrive.

Derbyshire Police is urging anyone who has responded to any of these adverts, paid money, and either did not receive your items or had an order cancelled by the retailer, to come forward as a potential witness in their investigation.

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