SHUTTING UP
Fake ads warning over major retailer’s closing down sales – how to spot a scam
Plus, we've explained how to report scams
SHOPPERS are being warned about a new scam circulating on Facebook involving fake Bonmarché closing down sales.
Consumer champion Which? has uncovered seven fraudulent adverts promoting heavily discounted clothing on bogus websites.
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These ads falsely claim that Bonmarché is going out of business and encourage shoppers to take advantage of a "farewell sale."
Which? discovered that the scam ads link to three different fraudulent websites, two of which were only registered in March 2025, raising red flags about their legitimacy.
The consumer group has reported the ads to Facebook's parent company, Meta, which is currently investigating.
Worryingly, some shoppers have already fallen victim, reporting that money has been taken from their accounts without any goods being delivered.
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One victim believed they were buying from Bonmarché but ended up paying a company based in China.
Lisa Webb, Which?'s consumer law expert, advises shoppers to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
She said: "If an offer seems too good to be true, unfortunately it probably is.
"If you're in any doubt about whether an offer is genuine, don't click on any links and visit the retailer's official website.
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"If you spot any suspicious posts, you can report them to the social media platform and the National Cyber Security Centre to investigate."
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Shoppers looking to buy clothing directly from Bonmarché can do so online by visiting bonmarche.co.uk or by visiting their local store.
You can find your closest shop by visiting bonmarche.co.uk/storefinder.
Bonmarché was established in 1982 and was sold to the Peacock Group in July 2002.
In January 2012, just before Peacocks went into administration, Bonmarché was sold to private equity firm Sun European Partners.
In October 2019, Bonmarché itself went into administration but was soon saved by Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
In November 2020, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group entered administration, citing the impact of repeated store closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In January 2021, Purepay Retail Limited purchased Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Bonmarché out of administration, followed by the acquisition of Peacocks in April 2021.
Bonmarché currently operates out of 225 UK stores.
SPOTTING PURCHASE SCAMS
PURCHASE scams often originate from advertisements or posts on social media platforms or search engine results.
To protect yourself, be vigilant for the following red flags that may indicate a scam:
- Offers that seem too good to be true: Be cautious of unusually steep discounts or claims of selling highly sought-after items at improbably low prices. If it feels suspicious, it probably is.
- Pressure to act quickly: Scammers often use limited-time offers or urgency tactics, such as "closing down sales" or "last chance deals," to manipulate you into making impulsive decisions.
- Unverified sources: Ads, posts, or search results not shared by a brand's official accounts or that redirect to websites which differ from the official domain could signal fraudulent activity. Always double-check the source before engaging further.
- Newly registered websites: Be wary of unfamiliar websites, particularly those that have been recently created, as they may have been set up with the intent to deceive. A domain checker tool, such as WHO.IS, can help verify when a website was established.
- Negative reviews: Consistent poor reviews across multiple review platforms can be a strong indicator of a scam. Take the time to read customer feedback before making a purchase.
- Incomplete website information: Legitimate websites typically include essential pages such as 'Contact Us,' 'About Us,' and 'Terms and Conditions.' The absence of these sections could be a sign of fraudulent intent.
How do I report scams?
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible.
There is no guarantee you'll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account.
You can forward scam emails to [email protected].
If you notice a website that doesn't look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website.
You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number.
You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting consumeradvice.scot.
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You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or call 0808 223 1133.
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