How to spot websites selling counterfeit goods
There are usually several simple ways to help you spot a site selling fakes:
- Look for grammar and spelling errors on the websites. Be suspicious of deeply discounted prices.
- Find where the domain is registered. Check where the lender is really located - if their address has been left out/withheld be suspicious. Many websites selling fake items have their domains registered in China.
- Look at the "contact us" section, if there's no physical address or working phone number, beware.
- Make sure if you are giving financial information it is over a secure site. Look for "https" (rather than "http") when submitting payment information. Also look for a highlighted lock symbol in your web browser.
- Consider using a separate credit card with a lower spending limit for online purchases. If your credit card information is taken, it may be easier to cancel.
- Use a gift card to make online purchases. Credit card companies like VISA offer credit cards for lower cash amounts.
- Be extremely wary if asked to send any payment abroad by any money transfer system such as Ukash, Western Union or any other.
- Research the website you are considering using - look at online forums for any information. Fraudsters can push a fake web site high up on web search lists. Check the URL as fraudsters change the address very slightly to include the brand or product name. Also, a website address ending in .co.uk does not necessarily mean the site is based in the UK.
If you have spotted or believe a trader in Coventry is supplying fake goods or selling foreign labelled or duty free goods such as cigarettes, please use our online reporting form or use the Anonymous Hotline: 0300 303 2636.
