Bromley Trading Standards is warning residents to make sure they are using 'official' sites for services such as passport renewals, etc.
Though you might have to pay for the official service, it should be cheaper than through an intermediary and you’ll have the reassurance of dealing with the appropriate organisation, often a government service, directly.
Protect yourself – always:
- Be cautious about the first website(s) you see if you run a search, and
- Satisfy yourself that you are on the official site for the appropriate organisation.
Check out the Advertising Standards Authority advice about copycat websites, including a list of some government websites: Copycat websites – ASA | CAP
Report and assistance
Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.
Visit Citizens Advice Consumer service for help and advice or call 0808 223 1133.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.