Appeal to find people affected by social media supermarket scams
Have you been affected by social media ads offering fake supermarket offers?
Derbyshire Constabulary is appealing for information following an increase in social media advertisements offering fake supermarket and retail deals.
Organised criminals have been advertising heavily discounted supermarket deliveries, electronics and household goods on social media, claiming to offer genuine savings on orders from major retailers and supermarkets.
People who transfer money to these sellers often find that their orders never arrive.
Anyone who has responded to one of the advertisements, paid money and either failed to receive their items or had an order cancelled by the retailer is being asked to contact the police.
Derbyshire Constabulary has stressed that those affected are not in trouble and could be vital witnesses in helping officers dismantle the organised criminal groups involved.
Warning signs of a scam
- Social media profiles advertising discounts of between 40% and 70% on groceries, electrical goods or orders from high-street retailers.
- Requests for payment by private bank transfer, payment app or cryptocurrency rather than through an official retailer’s website.
- Orders that are cancelled shortly after being placed or fail to arrive.
Anyone who has interacted with or sent money to one of these sellers should contact Derbyshire Constabulary’s investigation team, quoting Operation Chipper / 26*496694.
Information can be provided through the following non-emergency contact methods:
- Derbyshire Constabulary’s website or its online contact form.
- Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page.
- Phone – call 101.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.
PC Colin Smith, who is leading Operation Chipper for Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “These criminals are advertising fake deals to get your money and personal details. If you’re looking to shop, always use trusted links for the website you want to visit. Never trust a link on social media or one that has been sent to you by message or email.
“People who have followed these links and submitted their information or payment details might have seen their accounts hacked or money taken from them. Please contact us if you’ve been affected by this type of scam.”
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