CashNews.co
Online shoppers have been warned about a ‘Tesco scam’ that tempts customers with significantly reduced prices on items.
One baffled customer, upon stumbling across what seemed to be a “Clearance Sale” on the supermarket giant’s website, questioned, “Is this too good to be true?” after spotting electric bikes listed for just £49.99 each purportedly slashing £119.01 and £99.01 off the price.
After turning to Reddit’s Tesco subreddit for guidance, the shopper quickly learned that the site was fraudulent. “That’s not a Tesco website at the top,” one eagle-eyed Reddit user pointed out. “Even if it was, the marketplace is for third party sellers and it’d still probably be a scam. It’s a scam.”
The screenshot revealed the woman had landed on bsgda.com – which currently redirects to a site selling beds for pets. “Personally I’d say it’s more than likely a scam,” another Redditor penned in agreement. “The website address isn’t an official Tesco website either.”
A third Redditor highlighted that the site’s US hosting raised red flags, indicating a potential con. “Hosted by Cloudflare in USA,” they began. “Sketchy code, which looks like a drop-shipper website made by myshopline.com. Uses simplified Chinese as part of the json (英镑) (see currencyInfo response to those curious).”
They concluded with a stark warning: “I would advise against it, at best, a drop shipper from China or, at worst, a phishing site.”
Tesco has a section on its website detailing how to report scams and fraud, listing a step-by-step guide to determine whether customers have been the victim of fraudulent activity.
With regards to potential phishing scams in particular, it states: “Please get in touch to report a potential scam. You can forward any suspicious emails to [email protected] Remember not to add any personal details to any emails you send to us.
“If you receive a suspicious text, report it to your network operator. Simply forward the text to 7726. You’ll get an automated response and may be asked to send more information. Forwarding messages to 7726 won’t cost you anything.”
Tesco has been approached for further comment.