SHOPPERS looking for bargains during the Boxing Day sales are being urged to stay alert to scams.
As well as bargains offered by retailers, bogus websites and fake online ads are also known to pop up at this time of year.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards has teamed up with Citizens Advice to urge people to remain vigilant.
Cllr Victoria Wilson, cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards, said:
“Boxing Day and the January sales are still a busy time for shoppers which is why we are reminding people to be vigilant, especially when shopping online.
“Unfortunately, internet shoppers are increasingly targeted by criminals and scammers and that’s why it is important people follow some simple safety tips when buying online.
“We want people to be able to shop with confidence online and stay safe.”
Shoppers are urged to check the web address, even if it appears at the top of a search engine result, and to avoid sites where no details of cancellation rights are listed or where they only accept payments via direct bank payment or money transfer services.
People should also be wary of goods being offered for sale on social networks which could be counterfeit.
Further advice is available from Citizens Advice or by calling 03454 04 05 06.