HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s Action Fraud task force has once again alerted people to the possible pitfalls of buying online.

According to the police, fraudsters are setting up top-end websites advertising electrical goods and domestic appliances that do not exist. The websites state buyers can pay by card; but that option disappears and a bank transfer is requested. Purchasers are reassured by then use of the widely recognised Trustmark.

They then use the Trustmark to link to another bogus website masquarading as the Trusted Shops website, complete with a fake verification certificate and thousands of positive reviews for the bogus electrical website.

Would-be purchasers are being warned that in this case they would not be covered by the Trusted Shop money-back guarantee and are advised to:

• Check the authenticity of the website at https://who.is/ before making purchases

• Conduct online research in relation to the website, company name and the business address provided to identify any poor

feedback or possible irregularities.

• Check the Trusted Shops Facebook page where warnings about websites using their Trustmark are published. If you in doubt about the legitimacy of a Trustmark then call Trusted Shops on 0203 364 5906 or email [email protected]. It will confirm whether it has certified that website.

• Payments made via bank transfer are not protected should you not receive the item so try to make the payment via PayPal or a credit card.

• If the item advertised seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

• Report frauds and scams to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visitwww.actionfraud.police.uk