Warwickshire Residents Falling Victim To Copycat Websites

Warwickshire Trading Standards have said that residents have reported paying money to copycat websites. One resident received an email to remind him to renew his European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The email, which turned out to be a scam, directed him to a copycat website where he ended up paying £27 for a card which is actually free of charge. Another resident paid a copycat website £60 for a fishing rod licence that should have cost him significantly less.

In recent years there has been a drive to remove copycat websites from the top of Internet search pages, and this may be encouraging the operators of these websites to turn to sending out links via unsolicited emails.

TOP TIPS

• Always use .gov.uk websites when applying for any official form or document
• Never download a form or click on email links to complete any form
• Report any attempts of copycat sites to Warwickshire Trading Standards (via the Citizen's Advice Consumer Service)

VIDEO: The Owl & The Copycat (film warning consumers about the problems of copycat websites and advice on how to avoid them). 

TOP TIPS For Small Businesses

• Beware of unexpected doorstep approaches from unscrupulous traders offering advertising. Not only does the advertising often appear in publications that have little or no circulation (making them essentially worthless), but terms and conditions in the small print can lead to businesses having to pay out a great deal more than they originally expected.
• Research all advertisers and read terms and conditions thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.
• Business to business contracts are not covered by consumer doorstep selling regulations.