Warning over Wilko copycat websites flogging fake '£4.99 sofa deals'
Wilko fans have been told to be aware of copycat websites pretending to be the bust retailer.
The high street chain collapsed into administration earlier this month and has stopped offering home deliveries and click and collect through its website. But fake websites appear to be taking advantage of Wilko going under by pretending to sell massively discounted goods under the Wilko name.
Administrators from PwC told The Mirror it is aware of “a number of fake Wilko websites” and reminded customers that Wilko products can now only be purchased in stores. Wilko has over 400 stores in the UK and these are open as normal at the time of writing.
A report from The Guardian suggests there are at least ten fake Wilko websites doing the rounds. One website claimed it was selling a Wilko sofa for £4.99 - but Wilko does not sell sofas.
PwC said: “We have been made aware of a number of fake Wilko websites which are offering Wilko products at heavily discounted prices. These websites are not genuine and have been set up to scam users, the only legitimate Wilko website is www.wilko.com. We would like to remind our customers that all Wilko sales are now in-store and you are unable to purchase items online.”
Wilko makes huge change to over 400 UK stores - and it's good for shoppers
PwC set a Wednesday deadline last week for any interested parties to place indicative bids for Wilko and are understood to be reviewing all offers now. However, it is not guaranteed a deal will definitely be struck - and even if an agreement is made, it may not mean all Wilko shops will be saved. Rival firms can choose to only save part of a business once it has entered administration.
It has been previously that discount retailers B&M, The Range, Poundland and Home Bargains had all expressed an interest in bidding for Wilko. However, sources told The Sun that some offers could see 300 shops saved, but the majority of discussions were only for between 40 and 50 stores.
How to report scams
You can report dodgy websites to the National Cyber Security Centre. If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away.
You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately.
Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website . If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website .
You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101. For scam emails, forward them to [email protected], and for scam text messages, forward them to 7726 for free.
If you suspect a scammer is calling you, hang up immediately and search for the contact details online of the place you're supposedly being called from. Never call back the number provided by the caller.
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