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Copycat website “rip-offs” causing thousands of problems for people

7 Gorffennaf 2014

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, has called websites that look like government sites but charge extra fees to fill in official forms online “completely unacceptable” and revealed that the Citizens Advice Consumer Service dealt with more than 2,000 problems with copycat websites from January to March this year. Citizens Advice is working together with Trading Standards to stamp out copycat websites that rip-off people who may be just trying to renew their passport.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said:

“Copycat government websites rob people of their money and make an ordeal out of straightforward tasks. It is completely unacceptable that unscrupulous firms are looking to exploit people as they go about their day to day lives and do important jobs like renewing a passport. We work closely with Trading Standards to stamp out these unacceptable rip-offs and in the first three months of 2014 alone, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service dealt with more than 2,000 problems with copycat websites.

“Filling in official forms online is supposed to make life easier, but it can be really hard to tell if a website is genuine. If you’re in any doubt then don’t hand over any of your personal details or money. Anyone who thinks they have been duped by one of these opportunistic sites can go to their local Citizens Advice Bureau or call our Consumer Service.”

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.