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Police launch crackdown on online fraud crimes

Published on 4 Dec 2009 under category: legal

More than 1,000 fraudulent e-commerce websites have been closed down.

The Metropolitan Police has cracked down on scam online portals in a bid to safeguard consumers shopping online during the Christmas period.

Currently, 1,219 websites have been closed as part of the scheme.

The stores offered items such as Ugg boots, jewellery and designer clothing at highly discounted prices.

However, people purchasing from these sites then either do not receive their goods, are sent counterfeit products or have their details stolen, which could then be used in identity fraud crimes.

Lesley Cowley, chief executive for Nominet, a domain name registry which helped with the operation, said: "The vast majority of .co.uk domains are legitimate, but where there are investigations about improper or illegal activity we work with law enforcement bodies to help identify and limit fake or illegal web sites."

Earlier this week, TV star Ricky Gervais revealed that he had been the victim of a £200,000 identity fraud.

If you require advice on Corporate Fraud please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Dan Hyde.