A fresh wave of online scams is targeting shoppers with fake deals on cooling appliances.
Criminals are taking advantage of rising demand for air conditioners and fans as Worcestershire is hit by yet another heatwave.
The fraudulent adverts typically offer branded products at heavily discounted prices and pressure customers with time-sensitive deals.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Once again, we find the fraudsters and criminals are jumping on topical situations to defraud the public with too good to be true offers, and what better to offer at this time than inexpensive Air Conditioners and Fans, often carrying well-known brand names.
“They offer authentic products at knock down prices coupled with glowing customer reviews.
“Very often they copy the websites of genuine stores such as Aldi currently.”
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Police recommend checking website details carefully and looking for spelling mistakes or unusual domains.
They also advise verifying product offers with the official manufacturer’s website and avoiding links or attachments in emails.
Fraud can be reported by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.reportfraud.police.uk, suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 and fake emails sent to report@phishing.gov.uk, and anyone worried about banking fraud can call 159 to reach their bank’s fraud prevention team.
