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Latest News
MPS e-Crime unit takes down scam websites
Christmas shoppers stand a better chance of avoiding online fraud this festive season after the Metropolitan Police's Central e-Crime Unit (PCeU) took down 1,219 scam websites. As part of Operation Papworth, the PCeU this week targeted websites run by organised criminal networks which purported to sell designer items - including Ugg Australia Boots, ghd hair straighteners, and jewellery from Tiffany & Co and Links of London. Innocent shoppers were duped into making what appeared to be bargain purchases, but received either nothing at all or counterfeit products. Victims also ran the potential risk of the criminals stealing their identity for misuse elsewhere. The websites are thought to have generated millions of pounds for the gangs which could then be used to fund other illicit activity. Detective Superintendent Charlie McMurdie, head of the PCeU, said: "Fraudsters target the victim's desire to buy designer goods at reduced prices, particularly at this time of year. The risk begins when your desire to purchase blinds your judgment or leads you to illegal websites. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is." This operation was instigated by the PCeU to target the criminal misuse of the UK domain name system, with the objective of preventing harm to British citizens and making it safer to trade online. The PCeU worked in partnership with Nominet - the body responsible for UK domain name registrations and one of the world's largest internet registries, managing over eight million domain names. As a result the PCeU has deregistered 1,219 website domain names - taking them down at the registry level to prevent re-registration. Lesley Cowley, chief executive of Nominet, said: "We received clear instructions from the PCeU to take down the .co.uk domain names, which have been under investigation for criminal activity. We worked closely with the police and our registrars to quickly carry out the instruction to shut down access to these sites. "Nominet is committed to making the Internet a safe place for all users. The vast majority of .co.uk domains are legitimate, but where there are investigations about improper or illegal activity, we work with law enforcement bodies such as the Metropolitan Police to help identify and then limit the number of illegal or fake websites. Always our aim is to take fast, effective and responsible action to protect consumers and end users." Consumer Direct, Trading Standards, the Office of Fair Trading and manufacturers also helped to identify the fraudulent web sites. Intelligence showed that the vast majority of the sites were registered from Asia, despite their UK domain names, mostly using false or misleading details. That made it almost impossible for victims to complain about poor quality, counterfeited items or goods not received. It also makes it difficult for Trading Standards or other law enforcement agencies to take action. The PCeU are working with Nominet and other top domain name registrars to prevent the future fraudulent registration of sites using false or misleading details. The Office of Fair Trading are also helping the PCeU to plan to prevent similar activity, gather intelligence and conduct enforcement activity in the UK to tackle the perpetrators. What can you do if they have recently purchased goods that may have been from one of the fraudulent sites? Contact Consumer Direct for further advice. Visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk for contact details. If you have bought from one of these sites, and the goods you ordered fail to arrive but your credit or debit card has been charged, you should contact your card company to see if you can get your money back. Although there is no evidence that the criminals behind these sites have yet used card details for fraud you should, as always, check your statement. If you suffer losses as a result of this or any other card fraud and you are the innocent victim, you will get your money back. What can the public do to protect themselves when purchasing online?- Know who you are dealing with - Check manufacturers' websites to ensure you are buying from an approved and reputable retailer Be careful how you pay - If the purchase is over £100 consider using a credit card to protect your purchase, buy goods online through secure and encrypted payment systems, don't be drawn off the site to other forms of payment and consider separate credit cards or accounts for online shopping. Protect your personal details - Don't give away personal details unnecessarily, don't ever reveal passwords or PIN numbers. Protect your computer - Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software on you computer, use a firewall and update you computer's software regularly. Beware of unsolicited or spam email offers. Further advice can be found at: Consumer Direct www.consumerdirect.gov.uk Get Safe Online www.getsafeonline.org Metropolitan Police Service Fraud Alert web site www.met.police.uk/fraudalert
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