Cybersecurity experts have issued a warning about a surge in scams targeting desperate Britons seeking air conditioners during the ongoing heatwave. Fraudsters are creating fake deals that impersonate well-known brands, offering attractive discounts on cooling devices to trick victims into handing over financial details.
Scammers Exploit Heatwave Demand
According to Kaspersky, criminals are capitalizing on the increased demand for air conditioners by sending fraudulent adverts via email and setting up fake websites. These sites often feature authentic product photos, fake customer reviews, and countdown timers to create a false sense of urgency. One example reported by the Daily Mail involved a near-perfect replica of the AiraBreeze brand's website, offering a 75% discount on a portable fan for £149.99. Victims who pay never receive the product, and their card details and credentials are stolen.
Sophisticated Tactics Include Urgency and Imitation
Olga Altukhova, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky, said: "Pressuring buyers to act fast is one of the techniques scammers use. When demand spikes, warnings that only a few items are left or that a discount is about to expire can easily compel users to enter financial details or personal data." The fake websites often mimic large retailers like Aldi, even including warnings to "be wary of scams" ironically. A screenshot from Kaspersky shows a portable air conditioner listed for nearly £150 with a red countdown box urging immediate purchase, claiming items can only be reserved for five minutes.
How to Spot and Avoid Scams
The urgency makes it difficult for shoppers to notice common signs of a scam, such as spelling errors, fake URLs, or bizarre site designs. Altukhova advised: "Stay calm and double-check everything, especially the website's URL and design. If you're unsure about a site's authenticity, look it up in a search engine to verify it's legitimate, or use a security software to perform the check."
Cybersecurity researchers have identified multiple fake adverts being sent directly to email accounts, ostensibly on behalf of well-known brands. The scams have left thousands of Britons out of pocket, with losses potentially reaching £150 per victim. As heatwaves become more frequent, experts urge consumers to exercise caution and verify any deals before making a purchase.
