THE business of beauty has turned ugly as international fraudsters scam consumers out of hundreds of pounds.
Trading Standards officers in North East Lincolnshire are warning people to beware of online criminals offering free samples of Dead Sea beauty kits and collagen serums.
The team has received complaints from some residents who have fallen prey to fraudulent websites and Facebook pages that offer the opportunity to sample the "ancient secrets of the Dead Sea".
Consumers who order free samples – but who must provide their bank details first – go on to receive unsolicited goods, and have hundreds of pounds removed from their accounts without their knowledge.
Investigations have revealed that the company does not have offices in London, as it claims, but appears to be working out of Israel and the USA.
The organisation is currently subject to extensive investigation by national authorities, and the local Trading Standards team has today issued a warning.
It comes during Scams Awareness Month, when people are being warned to be on guard against all sorts of unscrupulous cheats, fraudsters and swindlers.
In yesterday's Grimsby Telegraph, the team warned about the dangers of smuggled Jin Ling cigarettes, which are illegal in the UK because they do not comply with European Standards.
Neil Clark, the community protection manager at Trading Standards in Grimsby, said: "We know that three million consumers in the UK fall victim to scams every year, with criminal networks raking in more than £3.5 billion as a result.
"However, as it is estimated that only five per cent of victims ever report being scammed, this is more than likely just the tip of a very large iceberg."
Councillor Hazel Chase, portfolio holder for Safer And Stronger Communities at the council, added: "Times are tough for everyone at the moment, and freebies can be very tempting.
"I would urge local people to follow the advice given by our Trading Standards team and always check to make sure you know what you are signing up for when shopping online."
If you have been affected by a scam like this, report it to the Citizens' Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 040506.
ON THE WEB: Visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for advice on how you can stay safer when shopping online.
