Internet Scammers Target Busy Women 

Sally is 43 year old nurse and mum to Alice and William.

“I have two little ones, so going around the shops can be a hassle. I’ve been shopping online for years, I love it. I’m a real bargain hunter. I go from one website to another to find the best deal.

I mostly shop from high-street names because I feel safer. I’ve even signed up to get their sales and promotions emails. If there is a sale on, I want to know about!

I’ve never had any problems until last Xmas. When an email arrived with a 25% discount with free shipping if I bought £30 or more – it was a great offer so I clicked.

There was nothing suspicious about the website. It looked just like the real one. I spent about £60 and I thought I’d saved £15 plus shipping. I even received an email confirming my order.

It was only when I sent the link to my sister that I realised something was wrong. She had tried to use the special offer website, but it was gone.So I went online to look at my account details from the real retailer. I logged into my online account and my heart sank – there were no orders showing. I knew I had been conned.

I immediately called my credit card company, they said there had been £250 billed to my account. They suggested that I cancelled the card – needless to say I did. 

I did get my money back in the end. I’m embarrassed that I was caught out by a scam. But it looked so real, how was I supposed to know it was a forged website?

I still shop online but it isn’t as much fun. I still get nervous, so I’ll find what I want online but then order it over the phone. I never respond to emails even if it says it is from my favourite shops.