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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Catie McLeod Consumer affairs reporter

Going, going, gone: Scam websites imitating famous brands are luring in victims on social media. What can be done?

A fake website claiming to be that of the store Blue Illusion, but which uses an entirely different domain name.
A fake website claiming to be that of the store Blue Illusion, but which uses an entirely different domain name. Photograph: Guardian Australia

Australian consumers are being lured to fake websites imitating major labels, such as Blue Illusion, Millers and Sussan, that replicate their branding and advertise fictitious closing-down sales on social media.

After previously identifying more than 140 so-called “ghost stores” falsely marketing themselves as local brands, Guardian Australia has found the problem extends to more sophisticated sites impersonating well-known retailers.

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