Extra funding to tackle websites passing off as official Government services

The National Trading Standards Board has received an additional £120,000 in funding this year to take enforcement action against websites that pass themselves off as official Government services.

The NTSB said the money would also be used to tackle websites that “exaggerate the nature of the services they provide or deliberately underplay that people can get them for free or at a lower cost from official sources”.

Consumer Minister Jenny Willott said: “Misleading websites which dupe people into believing they are using the official Government channel need to be stopped in their tracks.

“The unfortunate reality is that a minority are exploiting those who are perhaps less web-savvy and we need to clamp down on them. These rogues that con people out of their hard earned cash need to know that the full glare of Trading Standards is now on them.”

Lord Toby Harris, chair of the NTSB, said: "Copycat websites that deceive consumers are a growing problem. These sites frequently encourage consumers to pay a fee or an extra charge for a service that is readily or freely available from the official website. Moreover, they often require those accessing them to share information that is personal and should be held securely.

“This additional Government support to help tackle this challenge is most welcome. By working together in this way we look forward to reducing consumer detriment and supporting legitimate businesses.”