Full Breakdown
Surge in Scam Websites Targeting Online Shoppers
3/6/2026, 11:06:23 PM
Overview of the Scam Landscape
Recent research by Which? has revealed a significant increase in scam websites impersonating major retailers, including Tesco, Amazon, and Boots. In January alone, over 28,000 unsafe website addresses were identified, designed to mislead online shoppers into providing personal information. The rise of these fraudulent sites is attributed to a technique known as "typosquatting," where scammers register domain names that are common misspellings of legitimate brands.
Key Findings from the Research
The study, conducted in collaboration with tech company Decodo, highlights a 68% increase in instances of digital squatting scams from 2021 to 2025. This surge has also led to a dramatic rise in name disputes, with the World Intellectual Property Organization reporting 6,200 cases in 2025. Scammers often direct potential victims to these fake websites through deceptive text messages, claiming to represent well-known companies and offering rewards or points for verification.
Common Scams and Tactics
One example cited involved a scam text purporting to be from Tesco, inviting recipients to review points as part of a fictitious reward program for 2026. The message included a link that led to a fraudulent site, where users were misled into believing they had thousands of points to redeem for various products. Another instance involved a fake Boots website that promised skincare products in exchange for completing a survey, further illustrating the sophisticated methods employed by scammers.
Recommendations for Online Shoppers
To combat these scams, Which? has provided several tips for consumers to identify fraudulent websites:
- Check for typos in web addresses.
- Verify the creation date of the website using tools like who.is.
- Look for dead links or pages that do not lead anywhere.
- Be cautious of poor spelling and grammar, as well as low-quality images.
- Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
Official Statements & Responses
Rocio Concha, head of policy and advocacy at Which?, emphasized the evolving tactics of criminals, stating, “Criminals are always on the lookout for new ways to part people from their hard-earned cash and these copycat sites are one of the latest examples of their evolving tactics.” In response to the growing threat, Which? is advocating for online platforms to proactively monitor content for signs of fraud and for telecom companies to block scam-related text messages.
Conclusion
The rise of scam websites impersonating trusted retailers poses a significant risk to online shoppers. As these fraudulent tactics become increasingly sophisticated, awareness and vigilance are crucial for consumers to protect their personal information.
