WORCESTERSHIRE Trading Standards is reminding residents to remain vigilant following the shutdown of a website that could still potentially see residents significantly out of pocket.

An illegal website under the name of Bidwell Boats (bidwellboats.com) had been set up, cloning the genuine details of Bidwell Boats Ltd of 111 – 113 High Street, Evesham.

The scam site advertised various boats for sale at a cost of thousands of pounds. The fraudsters asked potential purchasers to bank transfer funds for the purchase of the boat in question before the delivery process began.

No name or telephone number was given to the purchaser, with all correspondence taking place via email.

Peter Holmes, Senior Trading Standards Officer for Worcestershire County Council, said: “Our preliminary enquiries would indicate that bidwellboats.com has no connection with the business Bidwell Boats Ltd based in Evesham. I would urge all consumers to never part with large sums of money for goods or services unless they have seen the goods in question or have carried out background checks into the business they are dealing with."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Communities, added: "This case is a primary example of how hard our Trading Standards team continue to work to protect the people of Worcestershire against illegal and fraudulent activities and those who ignore the law."

If you have been a victim of an online scam, please contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website at actionfraud.police.uk